162 
MAMMALIA. 
is compressed on tlie sides ; tlie eyes are small ; the ears elongated, 
and the animal can contract or enlarge them ; the nose is pro- 
longed a few inches, in the shape of a trunk. This addition, 
which can he diminished to half and elongated to double its 
quiescent length, is without that movable finger which is the 
characteristic of the Elephant’s proboscis ; so it can he of no use 
in seizing objects or in sucking up water. The Tapir takes its 
food directly with its mouth ; when it drinks, it raises its con- 
tracted trunk in such a way as to prevent its being wetted. The 
neck is rather long ; and its legs are strong and thick. The 
anterior extremities are terminated in four toes, each of which is 
provided with a little, short, rounded hoof ; the posterior extre- 
mities have but three toes. The tail is very short and stumpy. 
The thick, hard skin of this animal is covered with short hair, 
very close and smooth, of a more or less dark brown, except 
under its head, its throat, and the tips of its ears, where it is of a 
whitish colour. The male has on his neck a short mane, com- 
posed of stiff bristles, of about an inch and a-half in length ; 
this decoration is sometimes seen on the female. 
In South America, from the Isthmus of Panama to the country 
adjoining the Straits of Magellan this Pachyderm is found, but 
it is most numerous in Paraguay, Brazil, and Guiana. It lives 
alone, hidden in the forests and in the most secluded retreats. 
Following always the same track in its excursions through the 
woods, it forms well-trodden footpaths, which the sportsman can 
easily recognise. It sleeps during the day, and wanders at night 
to seek its food. Sometimes, however, rainy weather brings it 
from its hiding-place during daylight, when it goes to the 
swamps, in which it delights to wallow, or to the streams, in 
which it swims with great agility. Its usual pace is a sort of 
trot ; when forced to gallop, ifc does so with its head down, in a 
peculiarly awkward manner. 
Its food consists of wild fruits, buds, and young branches of 
trees. A nitrous ( nitree ) soil, which is called in Paraguay bar- 
rero, is anxiously sought by it. Of a timid disposition, it never 
attacks man, but avoids him. However, when excited, it advances 
resolutely, and without fear, with its head lowered ; the keel- 
like shape of its skull and the hardness of its skin favouring 
this mode of assault. Often it is pounced upon by the Jaguar 
