THE TAPIK. 



Malay Tapir. 



Tte Tapir forms a family of mammalia, belonging to the same order as the elephant, and is considered 

 as one of the links connecting that animal with the hog. The American Tapir is spread throughout the 

 warmer regions of South America. It sleeps during the day, and wanders about at night in search of its 

 food, which consists of water-melons, gourds, and other vegetables. It is very fond of the water, and can 

 remain below the surface for a considerable period. It is a very powerful animal, and as it is furnished 

 with a very thick hide, it plunges through the brushwood, breaking its way through any obstacles that 

 may oppose its progress. Its disposition is gentle, but when annoyed it sometimes rushes at its antago- 

 nist and defends itself vigorously with its powerful teeth. The jaguar frequently springs on it, but is 

 often dislodged by the activity of the Tapir, who rushes through the bushes immediately that it feels the 

 claws of its enemy, and endeavors to brush him off against the thick branches. The height of the American 

 Tapir is from five to six feet. 



The Malay Tapir is somewhat larger, and is known by the greyish white color of the loins and hind 



quarters, which give the animal an appearance as if a white horsecloth 

 had been spread over it. In disposition it resembles its American relative. 

 It is easily tamed, and becomes as completely domesticated and as much at 

 home as any dog. It then feeds on all kinds of vegetables, and is very fond 

 of attending at table to receive bread, cakes, and the like. 



Though the flesh of the Malay Tapir, like that of the American, is dry 

 and disagreeable, and therefore of little value as an article of food, it is yet 

 thought that the animal might be domesticated with advantage, and 

 employed as a beast of burden. Its docility and great strength are strong 

 recommendations. Its skin would prove, from its toughness, useful foi 



American Tapir. Various purposes. 



fl85) 16* 



