546 
THE SAVAGE WORLD, 
to three toes, and the beginning of the change from tubercular teeth to the 
crescent pattern of the horse. Then come the pal<zotherid<z and the original 
rhinoceroses. These have but three toes, which indicate an approaching dimi¬ 
nution of number. 
The Tapir stands between the elephant and the hog. The American 
Tapir, or Mborebi ( Tapir us americamis , or terrestris ), is found abundantly in 
the South American tropical forests. It keeps near the water, of which it is 
very fond, and contrary to the popular idea in regard to the swine family, it 
is an excellent diver and swimmer. Its height is about four feet, and its build 
is proportionately strong. Its hide is a protection, as it rushes through thorns 
and brambles. It is naturally peaceful, but if wounded becomes aggressive 
HUNTER ATTACKED BY A WHITE RHINOCEROS. 
and dangerous. It whistles instead of grunting, but unlike the hog exercises 
its vocal powers but seldom. Its color is brown, and it wears a short, standing, 
black mane. While young it is generally spotted and striped with yellow. 
It is susceptible of domestication, but its size and active curiosity are adverse to 
its becoming a favorite and a pet. Its habits are nocturnal, and it remains true 
to the single mate which it has selected. 
The Central American Tapir ( Elasmognathus bairdi ) is black or blackish- 
brown ; the cheeks and sides of the neck, red ; the chest, throat and bhin, gray. 
It exceeds in size the American tapir. 
The European Tapir, Malayan Tapir, or Kuda-ayer ( Tapirus , indzcuss or 
malayanus ), has its body so clothed in white as to suggest its having run off 
