ACCOUNTS OF THE” MALAY TAPER: 101 
ce 
The manner in which the feet are divided is very pecul- 
‘iar; and is the same in both animals; having four hoofs in 
“the fore, and only three in the hind feet. The general siz 
“and shape of the tapir of the old and new world will be found 
* nearly alike, but differing in color; the head of this animal 
‘is of a peculiar shape, and forms a sort of ridge at top, the 
“eyes are small, ears roundish and bounded with white, which 
“can be drawn forward at pleasure, the legs are short and 
“very stout, the body large, and in shape somewhat resembling 
“that of the hog. The neck is short and thick, and the skin 
strong and coarse, like that of a buffalo. The hair is short, 
“and of a black colour, from the proboscis to the extremity of 
“the fore quarters ; the body and part of the hind quarters of 
“a light grey, and the rest of the hinder parts and legs are 
“pblack. The tail is very short, and almost destitute of hair. 
“ ft has no mane on the neck, in which respect it seems like- 
“ wise to differ from the American tapir. When young it is 
“beautifully spotted with brown and white. 
“The tapir of Malacca is not known to the natives as an 
“amphibious animal ; it is perfectly harmless, and of a timid 
“disposition. Indeed it seems destitute of any natural means 
“of offence or defence. It feeds on vegetables, and is said to 
“be particularly fond of sugar-cane. Its flesh is eaten by the 
“natives (with the exception of Muhammadans, who deem it 
“ unclean) and considered very good: none of these animals 
“have as yet been domesticated at Malacca, but I have no 
~“ doubt if taken when young, they might be tamed with equal 
“facility as those of America. 
“The drawing which accompanies this will be founda 
“faithful representation of the Malacca Tapir. It is taken 
“ from life, and will convey a much better idea of the animal 
* than any description I am able to give. 
“It is I think, very possible that the Malacca Tapir may 
“be found to correspond more closely with one of the two 
“fossil species described by Cuvier, in his geological discov- 
“eries, as having been met with in different parts of France, 
“ Germany, and Italy, the one named the small, the other the 
“ sisantic, Tapir.”’ 
R. A. Soc., No. 52, 1908. 
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