RHINOCEROS SONDAICUS. 



however, be noticed :— The folds, on the whole, appear less rough or prominent than 

 in the Indian Rhinoceros ; those of the neck are comparatively smaller ; and the 

 posterior fold, which has an oblique direction towards the spine, is less extended. 

 The thick covering, or coat, of our animal is divided on the surface into small 

 tubercles, or polygonous scutula ; and a few short bristly hairs, rising from a slight 

 depression in the centre, constitute a peculiar character. The ears are bordered with 

 a series of long stiff bristles, closely arranged ; and a similar series of bristles also 

 extends along the tail, underneath, through its whole length. 



The distinguishing characters of our animal now detailed, are, a lengthened form 

 of body; legs proportionally elevated; head acuminate; scutula many-sided, with a 

 central depression, giving rise to one or to several short bristles, and a series of long 

 hairs at the extremity of the ears, and under the tail : this is likewise the substance 

 of the description of the Rhinoceros sondaicus, given by M. Desmarest, in the 

 Encyclopedia. 



The individual which is represented in our Plate, and which has afforded the 

 preceding details, was taken, while very young, in .the forests of the Province of 

 Keddu, and was conveyed to the Residency at Magellan, in the year 1815 or 1816. 

 By kind treatment it soon became domesticated to such a degree, that it permitted 

 itself to be carried in a large vehicle resembling a cart, to the capital of Surakarta. 

 I saw it during its conveyance, and found it perfectly mild and tractable. At Sura- 

 karta it was confined in the large area or square which bounds the entrance to the 

 royal residence. A deep ditch about three feet wide limited its range, and for several 

 years it never attempted to pass it. It was perfectly reconciled to its confinement, 

 and never exhibited any symptoms of uneasiness or rage, although, on its first arrival, 

 harassed in various ways, by a large proportion of the inhabitants of a populous 

 capital, whose curiosity induced them to inspect the stranger of the forest. Branches 

 of trees, shrubs, and various twining plants were abundantly provided for its food ; 

 of these the species of Cissus, and the small twigs of a native fig-tree were preferred. 

 But plantains were the most favourite food, and the abundant manner in which it was 

 supplied with these, by the numerous visitors, tended greatly to make the animal mild 

 and sociable. It allowed itself to be handled and examined freely, and the more 

 daring of the visitors sometimes mounted on its back. It required copious supplies of 

 water; and when not taking food, or intentionally roused by the natives, it generally 

 placed itself in the large excavations, which its movements soon caused in the soft earth 

 that covered the allotted space. The animal rapidly increased in size : in the year 1817, 

 having been confined at Surakarta about nine or ten months, the dimensions as 



