. The popular natural history . Zoology. 212 THE RHINOCEROS. ttiey are shaped like a lancet, being acutely pointed and double-edged, so that they cut like knives and inflict very terrible wounds. No animal seems to be capable of withstanding the united attacks of the Peccary, even the jaguar being forced to abandon the contest and to shrink from encountering the circular mass of Peccaries as they stand with angry eyes and gnashing teeth ready to do their worst on the foe. The usual resting-place of the Peccary is in the hollow of a fallen tree, or in some burrow that has been dug by an armadil
. The popular natural history . Zoology. 212 THE RHINOCEROS. ttiey are shaped like a lancet, being acutely pointed and double-edged, so that they cut like knives and inflict very terrible wounds. No animal seems to be capable of withstanding the united attacks of the Peccary, even the jaguar being forced to abandon the contest and to shrink from encountering the circular mass of Peccaries as they stand with angry eyes and gnashing teeth ready to do their worst on the foe. The usual resting-place of the Peccary is in the hollow of a fallen tree, or in some burrow that has been dug by an armadillo and forsaken by the original inhabitant. The hollow tree, however, is the favourite resort, and into one of these curious habitations a party of Peccaries will retreat, each backing into the aperture as far as he can penetrate the trunk, until the entire hollow is filled with the odd little creatures. The one who last enters becomes the sentinel, and keeps a sharp watch on the neighbourhood. The colour of the Peccary is a grizzled brown, with the exception of a white strip that is drawn over the neck, and has earned for the animal the name of the Collared Peccary. ^\ INDIAN RHINOCEROS.—{Rhinoceros um'corms.) Several species of the Rhinoceros are still inhabitants of the earth. Of the existing species, two or three are found in various parts of Asia and its islands, and the remainder inhabit several portions of Africa. Before examining the separate species we will glance at some of the characteristics which are common to all the members of this very conspicuous group. The so-called horn which projects from the nose of the Rhinoceros is a very remarkable structure, and worthy of a brief notice. It is in no way connected with the skull, but is simply a growth from the skin, and may take rank with hairs, spines, or quills, being indeed formed after a similar manner. If a Rhinoceros' horn be examined—the species of its owner is quite imma- terial—it will be seen to be p
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1884
