ELEPHANT, TAPIR, HYRAX, RHINOCEROS 159 
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feet. The gradual steps by which this transformation has been brought about we can trace 
through certain fossil forms, of which we can say little here. 
Amongst these fossils occur remains of an animal bearing a very strong resemblance to the 
living tapir, but which, strangely enough, is not really so closely related thereto as to the horses. 
It does not, however, stand in the direct line of descent of these latter, but must be regarded as 
representing a collateral branch thereof. The occurrence of this distinct tapir-like animal is of 
great scientific interest. 
The short, stout legs and spreading toes of the living tapirs, rhinoceroses, and ancestral 
horse are admirably adapted for plodding deliberately over soft and yielding ground, such as is 
afforded by reed-beds' and banks of rivers, or the shady depths of forests. Speed in such 
surroundings is not necessary, food in plenty being always at hand, and escape from enemies 
being sought by concealment in thick herbage rather than flight. With a migration to drier 
and higher plains, the spreading foot has undergone a change. The short legs and numerous 
toes have given place to long ones, and of the several toes growth has taken place in one only— 
the third; whilst the others have slowly dwindled, till eventually only traces of the second and 
fourth remain, as in the modern horse. Thus has a firmer support over hard, unyielding ground 
been brought about, and great speed gained. The animals with this type of foot (in which the 
third is the largest toe) are known as the Odd-toed Hoofed Animals. The pigs, sheep, deer, and 
oxen have gained an equally 
efficient foot, yet retaining four 
toes. Of these, the third and 
fourth are equal in size, and 
serve as a support to the body, 
whilst the second and fifth 
have now become function- 
less, and do not reach’ the 
ground. This type of foot 
characterises that group of the 
hoofed: animals known as the 
Even-toed. 
THe Hyrax. 
: This is one of the most 
remarkable of living mam- 
mals, and one of the greatest 
puzzles to zoologists, having no 
near living relatives. Though 
bearing some resemblance to 
an earless rabbit, it really 
belongs to the hoofed 
animals, and amongst them 
comes perhaps somewhat 
nearer the rhinoceros than 
to any other animal. It is 
the Coney of the Bible. It 
inhabits the rocky districts of 
Syria and parts of Africa. It 
is a vegetable-feeder, and very 
wary. About a dozen species shady forests in the neighbourhood of water, to which it frequently resorts for the purpose of 
are known. bathing, or as a refuge from pursuit , : 
Photo by G. W. Wilson & Co., Ltd.] 
COMMON AMERICAN TAPIR 
This tapir inhabits tropical America, It is a nocturnal animal, frequenting the depths of 
