THE STORY OF THE TAPIR. 
225 
There are many species of the tapir. The American tapir is common 
enough in the hot countries of South America. Another is met with in the 
most elevated regions of the Cordilleras, and the Andes. A third inhabits 
the forests of the island of Sumatra, and the peninsula of Malacca. 
The American tapir is seen on the borders of rivers. It sleeps during 
the day, and wanders about at night in search of its food, which consists of 
water-melons, gourds, and other vegetables. It is very fond of the water, 
and can remain below the surface for a considerable period. It is a very 
powerful animal, and, as it is furnished with a thick hide, it plunges through 
the Malayan tapir. 
the brushwood, breaking its way past any obstacles that may oppose its 
progress. 
Although in general perfectly harmless animals, fleeing precipitately 
before the smallest dog, tapirs will sometimes attack their enemies fiercely, 
this being more especially the case with females that have been deprived 
of their young. In such instances they rush violently at their foes—human 
or otherwise—and after knocking them down will trample upon and bite 
them after the manner of wild swine. 
The Malayan tapir is the largest of the whole group, and differs from all 
