THE SINGLE-HORNED RHINOCEROS. 113 



ing, is capable of rushing with resistless violence 

 through woods and obstacles of every kind ; the 

 smaller trees bending like twigs as he passes them. 

 In his general habits and manner of feeding he re- 

 sembles the Elephant : residing in cool sequestered 

 spots, near waters, and in shady woods. Like the 

 hog, he delights in occasionally wallowing in the 

 mire *. 



The Asiatics sometimes tame and bring these ani- 

 mals into the field of battle, to strike terror into 

 their enemies. They are, however, in general so un- 

 manageable^ that they do more harm than good ; and 

 in their fury it is not uncommon for them to turn on 

 their masters f. 



The skin, which is of a blackish colour, is dis- 

 posed about the neck into large plaits or folds : 

 a fold of the same kind passes from the 

 shoulders to the fore legs ; and another from the 

 hind part of the back to the thighs. It is naked, 

 rough, and covered with a kind of tubercles, or 

 large callous granulations. Between the folds, and 

 under the belly, the skin is soft, and of a light rose- 

 colour. The ears are moderately large, upright, 

 and pointed. The eyes are small, and so placed, that 

 the animal can only see what is nearly in a direct 

 line before him t. 



The 'flesh is eaten by the inhabitants of the 

 country. The skin, flesh, hoofs, teeth, and even 

 the dung, are also used medicinally. The horn, 

 when cut through the middle, is said to exhibit 

 on each side, the rude figure of a man ; the 



* Shaw, i. 200. t Church. % Shaw, i. 199. 



Vol. I. I 



