THE TAPIR. 197 
silk or worsted, and even gnaw a stick or 
'^ork. 
The natural defence of the tapir against the 
large American beasts of prey seems to be 
rush into the thickest part of the wood, 
'•lirough which it penetrates with great fa- 
cility, while its pursuer soon becomes wea- 
''led, if not injured. According to Azara, it 
liirces its way through brakes, thickets, and 
'inderwood, in preference to keeping the open 
Paths ; and, having an acute sight, especially 
'a twilight, and a fine hearing, it contrives by 
^liese means to avoid its natural enemies. It 
hunted by dogs, and is sometimes taken 
V the hunters lying in ambush among the 
gourds and water-melons, which it comes out 
at night to feed upon. It has never been ob- 
^arved to fall immediately when shot. Azara 
'^elates that he saw one, which, after receiving 
^"'o balls through his heart, ran upwards of 
hundred paces. 
