184 NATURAL HISTORY IN ANECDOTE. 



The Rev. J. G. Wood says, "Its disposition is gentle, but 

 when annoyed, it sometimes rushes at its antagonist, and 

 defends itself vigorously with its powerful teeth. The jaguar 

 frequently springs on it, but it is often dislodged by the 

 activity of the Tapir, who rushes through the bushes imme- 

 diately that it feels the claws of its enemy, and endeavours 

 to brush him off against the thick branches." The Tapir is 

 easily tamed and even domesticated, though it must be 

 admitted it makes a somewhat huge pet. It is intelligent 

 and in its own way shows appreciation of kindness and 

 attachment to its owner. This family has sometimes been 

 regarded as a link between the Elephant and the Rhinoceros, 

 but in the classification here followed the Elephant forms a 

 separate order; the Tapir and the Rhinoceros complete 

 the sub-order of Perissodactyla or odd-toed, hoofed animals. 

 The Indian Tapir is somewhat larger than his American 

 cousin and is distinguished by the greyish-white colour of 

 his hind quarters, which gives him the appearance of bearing 

 a white horse cloth on his loins. 



The The Rhinoceros is found in both Asia and 



Bhinooeros. Africa, and is classified by Dr. Gray in four 

 genera. Of these the Indian Rhinoceros, the Rhinoceros of 

 Sumatra, and the Mahoohoo of South and Central Africa 

 are representatives. Mr. Gordon Cimimiag says, " There are 

 four varieties in South Africa, distinguished by the Bechuanas 

 by the names of the Borele or black rhinoceros, the Keitloa 

 or two-horued black rhinoceros, the Muchocho or coromon 

 white rhinoceros and the Kobaoba or long-homed white 

 rhinoceros. Both varieties of the black rhinoceros are 

 extremely fierce and dangerous, and rush headlong and 

 unprovoked upon any object which attracts their attention. 

 Their horns are much shorter than those of the other varieties, 

 seldom exceeding eighteen inches in length. They are finely 

 polished with constant rubbing against trees. The skull is 

 remarkably formed, its most striking feature being th^ 



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