162 MAMMALIA. 



is compressed on tlie sides ; the eyes are small ; the ears elongated, | 

 and the animal can contract or enlarge them ; the nose is pro- 

 longed a few inches, in the shape of a trunk. This addition, 

 which can be diminished to half and elongated to double its 

 quiescent length, is without that movable finger which is the 

 characteristic of the Elephant's proboscis ; so it can be of no use 

 in seizing objects or in suckiug up water. The Tapir takes its 

 food directly with its m.outh ; when it drinks, it raises its con- 

 tracted trunk hx such a way as to prevent its beiag wetted. The 

 neck is rather long ; and its legs are strong and thick. The 

 anterior extremities are terminated in four toes, each of which is 

 provided with a little, short, rounded hoof; the posterior extre- 

 mities have but three toes. The tail is very short and stumpy. 

 The thick, hard skin of this animal is covered with short hair, 

 very close and smooth, of a more or less dark brcTwn, except 

 under its head, its throat, and the tips of its ears, where it is of a 

 whitish colour. The male has on his neck a short mane, com- 

 posed of stiff bristles, of about an inch and a-half in length ; 

 this decoration is sometimes seen on the female. 



In South America, from the Isthmus of Panama to the country 

 adjoining the Straits of Magellan this Pachyderm is foimd, but 

 it is most numerous in Paraguay, Brazil, and Guiana. It Hves 

 alone, hidden in the forests and in the most secluded retreats. 

 Following always the same track in its excursions through the 

 woods, it forms well-trodden footpaths, which the sportsman can 

 easily recognise. It sleeps during the day, and wanders at night 

 to seek its food. Sometimes, however, rainy weather brings it 

 from its hiding-place during dajdight, when it goes to the 

 swamps, in which it delights to wallow, or to the streams, in 

 which it swims with great agility. Its usual pace is a sort of 

 trot ; when forced to gallop, it does so with its head down, in a 

 peculiarly awkward manner. 



Its food consists of wild fruits, buds, and young branches of 

 trees. A nitrous (nitree) soil, which is called in Paraguay bar- 

 rero, is anxiously sought by it. Of a timid disposition, it never 

 attacks man, but avoids him. However, when excited, it advances 

 resolutely, and without fear, with its head lowered ; the keel- 

 like shape of its skull and the hardness of its skin favouring 

 this mode of assault. Often it is pounced upon by the Jao-uar 



