178 HISTORY' OF QUADRUPEDS. 



dote against poison, as well as a remedy for 

 particular diseases. 



The Rhinoceros feeds on the grossest herbs, and 

 prefers thistles and shrubs to soft and delicate 

 pasturage. It is fond of the sugar-cane, and eats 

 all kinds of grain. 



Dr. Parsons remarks, that this animal has an 

 acute and very attentive ear. It will listen, with a 

 deep and long-continued attention, to any kind of 

 noise ; and though it be eating, lying down, or 

 obeying any pressing demands of Nature, it will 

 raise its head, and listen till the noise cease. 



From the peculiar construction of his eyes, the 

 Rhinoceros can only see what is immediately before 

 him. When he pursues any object, he proceeds 

 always in a direct line, overturning every obstruc- 

 tion. With the horn on his nose, he tears up trees, 

 raises stones, and throws them behind him to a 

 considerable distance. His sense of smelling is so 

 exquisite, that the hunters are obliged to avoid 

 being to windward of him. They follow him at 

 a distance, and watch till he lies down to sleep : 

 they then approach with great precaution, and 

 discharge their muskets all at once into the lower 

 part of the belly. 



The Rhinoceros is supposed to be the Unicorn of 

 holy writ, and possesses all the properties ascribed 

 to that animal, rage, untameableness, great swift- 

 ness, and immense strength. It was known to the 

 Romans in very early times, and is handed down 

 to us in some of the works of that celebrated 

 people. Augustus introduced one into the shows, 

 on his triumph over Cleopatra. 



Its flesh is eaten and much relished by the 

 natives of India and Africa. 



