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.

A Natural History for Young People: Our Animal Friends in Their Native Homes including mammals, birds and fishes · 第 319 / 490 题