390 INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY. 



snout prolonged into a fleshy proboscis (Fig. 291), which is 

 capable of extension or contraction, but does not act as an 

 instrument of prehension. The Elephant, on the contrary 

 (Fig. 322), is furnished with an organ remarkable for its 

 varied powers of action, combining in the highest degree 

 delicacy and strength. In both these instances the proboscis 

 is a prolongation of the muscular fibre and covering, and not 



Fig. 291. HEAD OF TAPIR. 



Fig. 292 RHINOCEROS. 



a distinct appendage. The Rhinoceros (Fig. 292) has a 

 weapon which is found adhering to the skin, not growing from 

 the skull; it is regarded as hair growing in a mass, and 

 presenting the appearance of a solid horn. The Giraffe has 

 bony protuberances, the rudimental representatives of the 

 curved or branching horns with which other tribes of rumi- 

 nating animals are furnished. In the Stag the horns have at 



Fig. 293. THE STAG. 



first a hairy skin: when this has worn away and the horns 

 have remained bare for a time, they are thrown off, and their 

 place is supplied by others. In structure they resemble solid 



