TAPIIR. 
\i ■ ~i •■ ■ - ■ ■ ■ ■- ■ — _ 
each other in their nature, as the countries 
they inhabit. To be ascertained of this fa6i:, 
we have only to compare the descriptions of 
each. Though both inhabit the water, the 
Tapiir does not feed on fishes ; and, though 
liis mouth be armed with twenty sharp cutting 
teeth, he is not carnivorous. He Hves on 
plants and roots, and never uses his weapons 
against other animals. His dispositions are so 
mild and timid, that he declines ail hostilities, 
and flies from every danger. Though his legs 
he short, and his body heavy, he runs very 
swiftly; and he swims still better than he runs. 
The texture of his skin is so close and firm, 
that it often resists a musket-balL. His flesh is 
coarse and insipid, but it is eaten by the In- 
dians. He is found in Brasil, in Paraguay, in 
Guiana, in the country of the Amazons, and 
throughout all South America from the ex- 
tremity of Chili to New Spain.'' 
lii the above account by BufFon, it is to be 
noticed, that he varies from Pennant respect- 
nig the sluggishness of this animal's motions, 
and it's faculty of resistance. They are only 
to be reconciled, by substituting inclination for 
ability. 
