Edinburgh journal of natural history Edinburgh journal of natural history and of the physical sciences edinburghjournal01macg Year: 1835 THE EDINBURGH JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY, AND OF THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES. N^ 3. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1835. ZOOLOGY. DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATE. The Rhinoceros.—The animals of this genus are nearly equal in size to the Ele- phant, although they appear less, owing to their legs being much shorter, in propor- tion to the dimensions of their bodies. They are generally of peaceable dispositions, if anmolcsted, living upon herbs and branches of trees, and frequentin
Edinburgh journal of natural history Edinburgh journal of natural history and of the physical sciences edinburghjournal01macg Year: 1835 THE EDINBURGH JOURNAL OF NATURAL HISTORY, AND OF THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES. N^ 3. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1835. ZOOLOGY. DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATE. The Rhinoceros.—The animals of this genus are nearly equal in size to the Ele- phant, although they appear less, owing to their legs being much shorter, in propor- tion to the dimensions of their bodies. They are generally of peaceable dispositions, if anmolcsted, living upon herbs and branches of trees, and frequenting marshy places. There have been five species of this genus ascertained by naturalists. Yitr. 1. The Indian Rhinoceros. (^Rhinoceros Indiciis, Cuvier.) This species has been the longest known to mankind, by the name of the one-horned Rhinoceros. It inhabits India beyond the Ganges. In a wild state, it grows to twelve feet in length, its circumference being nearly equal to its length. Its skin is composed externally of numerous horny tubercles, which render the hide impervious to the claws of the Lion and Tiger; and this, together with the formidable horn on its nose, makes it more than a match for either of these desperate animals. It is but seldom the Elephant will dare to give the Rhinoceros battle; when he does, he generally meets death as a reward for his temerity. The hide of this animal is remarkable for the deep folds formed across and behind the shoulders, as well as on the front of the legs, thighs, and flanks. The sight of the Rhinoceros is but dull, but its sense of hearing is said to be extremely acute. Many of the Indian princes drink out of cups made of the horn of this animal. They have a superstitious belief, that, when those hold any poisonous draught, the li- quor will ferment till it runs quite over the top. I\Iartial informs us, that the Roman ladies of fashion used these horns in the baths, to hold their essence-bottles and oils. The Javanese make shields
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