184 NATURAL HISTORY IN ANECDOTE.

The Rev. J. G. Wood says, “Its disposition is gentle, but
when annoyed, it sometimes rushes at its antagonist, and
defends itself vigorously with its powerful teeth. The jaguar
frequently springs on it, but it is often dislodged by the
activity of the Tapir, who rushes through the bushes imme-
diately that it feels the claws of its enemy, and endeavours
to brush him off against the thick branches.” The Tapir is
easily tamed and even domesticated, though it must be
admitted it makes a somewhat huge pet. It is intelligent
and in its own way shows appreciation of kindness and
attachment to its owner. This family has sometimes been
regarded as a link between the Elephant and the Rhinoceros,
but in the classification here followed the Elephant forms a
separate order; the Tapir and the Rhinoceros complete.
the sub-order of Perissodactyla or odd-toed, hoofed animals.
The Indian Tapir is somewhat larger than his American
cousin and is distinguished by the greyish-white colour of
his hind quarters, which gives him the appearance of bearing
a white horse cloth on his loins.

The The Rhinoceros is found in both Asia and
Rhinoceros. Africa, and is classified by Dr. Gray in four
genera. Of these the Indian Rhinoceros, the Rhinoceros of
Sumatra, and the Mahoohoo of South and Central Africa
are representatives. Mr. Gordon Cumming says, “There are
four varieties in South Africa, distinguished by the Bechuanas
by the names of the Borélé or black rhinoceros, the Keitloa
or two-horned black rhinoceros, the Muchocho or common
white rhinoceros and the Kobaoba or long-horned white
thinoceros. Both varieties of the black rhinoceros are
extremely fierce and dangerous, and rush headlong and:
unprovoked upon any object which attracts their attention.
Their horns are much shorter than those of the other varieties,
seldom exceeding eighteen inches in length. They are finely
polished with constant rubbing against trees. The skull is
remarkably formed, its most striking feature being the