RHINOCEROS. 



379 



and revengeful ferocity. Heavy and massive in their structure, their pillar- 

 like limbs seem ill calculated for speed, yet their " pace," when they have fairly 

 commenced it, from the length of their stride and the great propelling weight 

 of their bodies, is for a time very rapid, and bears before it all ordinary 

 obstacles, clearing a way through the thickest and most matted underwood. 

 Two species of elephants are known in existing nature : 

 The Indian Elephant (Elephas Indicns) has an oblong head, a concave forehead, 

 ears of middling size, and four nails on the hind feet. Its tusks are often very short. 

 The African Elephant (Elephas Afncamis} has a round head, a convex fore- 

 head, large flattened ears, and but three nails on the hind feet. It is more fierce than 

 that of India ; its tusks are much longer, and the female has them as long as the male. 

 This species is not tamed 



FIG. 419. AFRICAN' ELEPHANTS. 



SECTION OF ORDINARY PACHYDERMS. 



The Ordinary Pachyderms are distinguished by having no 

 prehensile proboscis, and feet provided with three or four distinct 

 toes. They are divided into several genera, as in the table on 

 page 380. 



The River Horse (Hippopotamus] * is found in most of the rivers of 

 Africa, but in greatest numbers south of the equator. These are unwieldy- 

 looking animals, having their legs so short that the belly almost touches the 

 ground. The feet are curiously constructed, so as to facilitate walking among 



* ITTTTOS, hippos, a horse; Trorct.tos, potamos, a rk-cr. 



