THE RHINOCEROS FAMILY.
The Rhinoceroses are large animals, having but three toes on each foot. The bones of the nose are massive and conjoined so as to form a sort of vault of sufficient strength to support one or two solid horns, which are adherent to the skin of the face and constitute formidable weapons either for defence or attack. The structure of these horns is fibrous, as if they were composed of a mass of hairs glued together.
The natural disposition of these animals is stupid and ferocious. They inhabit marshes and other damp localities, and live altogether upon vegetable substances—grass,herbs, or the branches of trees.
There are two species—the One-horned and the Two-horned.
ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS.
ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS.
ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS.
The One-horned Rhinoceros, as its name imports, has but a single horn, which is situated upon the middle of the snout; and as this weapon sometimes measures upwards of two feet in length, tapering gradually from the base to the point, sharp at its extremity, and slightly curved towards the back of the animal, it becomes when wielded by its herculean possessor a very deadly instrument; with which, at a stroke, it rips up the most powerful assailant, and is a formidable antagonist even to the Elephant itself.
The skin of this species forms a coat of armor, almost impenetrable by a musket-ball;it is in some parts nearly an inch in thickness.
The One-horned Rhinoceros is an inhabitant of the East Indies, more especially of that portion of the country situated beyond the Ganges; its range, indeed, extends from Bengal to Cochin, China. Slow and careless in his movements, this animal wanders through his native plains with a heavy step, carrying his huge head so low that his nose almost touches the ground, and stopping at intervals, to crop some favorite plant, or in playfulness to plough up the ground with his horn, throwing the mud and stones behind him.
The Two-horned Rhinoceros is a native of Africa. It differs remarkably from the preceding species, first by the possession of a second horn of smaller size, situated midway between the larger one and the top of its head, and secondly because its skin, more supple than that of the preceding species, is entirely destitute of folds.
Whether from a limited sphere of vision arising from the extraordinary minuteness of the eyes, which resembling the Pigs in expression, are placed nearer to the nose than in most other animals; or whether from an over-weening confidence in its own powers, the Rhinoceros will generally suffer itself to be approached within even a few yards before condescending to take the smallest heed of the foe, who is diligently plotting its destruction. At length, uttering a great blast or snort of defiance, and lowering its armed muzzle almost to the ground, it charges on its enemies; and bullets, hardened with tin or quicksilver, are used to kill it.