96 
PACHYDERMES. 
and is in most instances nearly destitute of hair, 
except a few stiff stragglers about the head, 
shoulders, or end of the tail. In the Elephant, 
Rhinoceros, and Hippopotamus, where these 
characters are most strongly marked, the skin is 
thick and deeply furrowed ; and the epidermis, 
which is also thick, is bristled upon the surface 
with little plates, which detach themselves from it 
like scales. The sole of the foot, according to 
Cuvier, presents a very singular structure. It is 
divided outwardly into nearly circular deep pits, 
in each of which are contained a number of 
small irregular polygones, which make the surface 
appear like a chagrined skin.* 
The males are in most instances furnished with 
tusks, which often grow to an immense size and 
weight. Both jaws are sometimes furnished with 
these elongated teeth, which express the distinctive 
mark of the male, and are used as organs of offence 
or defence, being seldom employed, or indeed 
being scarcely fitted for assisting in any of the 
wants of the animal. It is from these organs that 
the ivory of commerce is derived. But the 
remarkable part of the structure of these animals 
is seen in that of the nostrils. In the greater 
portion of them they are elongated, the entrance 
of the nostrils forming a tube, which is used as 
Lc(ons d’ Anatomic Coin puree. 
