RHINOCEROS (Gr. nose-horned). a genus of pachydermata ordinaria, containing the largest and most. powerful of terrestrial mammalia, except the elephants. There are at least 7 or 8 existing species, all natives of the warm parts of Asia, the Indian archipelago. and Africa; and numerous fossil species have been discovered in the newest geological deposi's. The form of the rhinoceros is clumsy and uncouth; its aspect dull and heavy. The limbs are thick and strong; each foot is terminated by three toes, which are covered with broad hoof-like nails. The tail is small, and terminated by a small tuft. The ears are moderately large: the eyes very small. The head is large, the..Muzzle prolonged, and the nasal bones combined into an arch for the support of a horn, which, however, does not spring from them, but merely from the skin; a second horn. in some of the species, growing above it, in like manner springing from the skin, and resting for support on the bone of the forehead. The upper lip is more or less prolonged and prehensile, in some of the species so much so that it is capable of being used to pick up very small objects. The whole body, head, and limbs are covered with an extremely thick and hard skin, which in none of the existing species exhibits more than lam; traces of hair, although there is evidence that some of the extinct ones were covered with fin; and the hardness of the skin being such that in sonic of the species it has not pliancy enough to permit the movements of the animal, it is in a manner jointed by means of folds on the neck, behind the shoulders, di front of the thighs. and on the limbs.
The horn of the rhinoceros is-a very remarkable organ. mid a powerful weapon of offense and defense. With it also the animal can root up bushes or small trees, the foliage or fruit of whiCh it desires to eat. It is of a perfectly homogeneous structure (see Honsts), and solid.
The different species of rhinoceros display some differences of dentition. None of the species displays a high degree of intelligence. _Although usually harmless. they are easily provoked, and show much capriciousness of temper. When irritated they become very dangerous; and although usually slow in their movements. they eau, upon occasion, run rapidly. Their great weight and strength enable them to force their way through jungles, breaking down the smaller trees before them. The hide Is proof against the claws of the lion or tiger, and is not to be penetrated by a leaden bullet, except at a very short distance, or in some of the thinner parts about the neck and chest. Bullets of iron or tin are used for shooting them.
The species of rhinoceros agree in being found sometimes solitary or in pairs, some times in little companies, never in large herds.
The INDIAN RHINOCEROS (R. Adieus) is a native of the continental parts of the East Indies, and lives chiefly in marshy jungles on the banks of lakes and rivers, often wal lowing in the mud, with which it encases itself, apparently as a protection against insects, which annoy it notwithstanding the thigkiness of its hide. It is the largest known species of rhinoceros, a large specimen being rather more than 5 ft. in height. The horn is sometimes 3 ft. in length, and 13 in, ni circumference at the base. The Indian rhi noceros was known by very imperfect description to the ancient Greeks, receiving the very inappropriate name of Indiv ass; mid from accounts of it the fable of the unicorn probably originated. Individiuds have front time to time been brought alive to Europe, and have proved tolerably quiet and tractable, feeding with apport nt satisfaction on mo:sIeged hay, vegetables, pulse, grain, etc.—The JAVANESE RHINOCEROS (11. Jaritnicy,q, or R. Sondalcus) is a somewhat smaller species, also one-horned. Sumatra has a two horned species (R. &nultrensuf).—Different species of rld.loceros, n11 two-horned, are found in almost all parts of Africa, and mie or more of them wire known to the ancient It nnanA.—The BOVELE, or BLACK RHINOCEROS (R. bieornis R. ilfrwanus). of south Africa, is the smallest of all the known species. It is of a black color, and its first horn is rather thick than long, its second short and conical. It is a fierce and dangerous ;mined, capable of great activity, and more dreaded by the south African hunter than the Hour itself.—The KEITLOA (I?. Izeitloa) is larger, and has the two horns nearly equal in length. the foremost horn curved backward the other curved forward. It is also a native of south Africa, and much dreaded both on account of its strength and ferocity. NiVIIITE RHINOCEROS (I?. shays), or Mucucco, dr -Alorcootto, is the largest of the well ascertained African species.
No species of rhinoceros is prolific. One young one only is produced at a birth, and tile intervals are long. The flesh of the rhinoceros is used for food. That of the differ ent species is somewhat variously esteemed. The skin is used in the East Indies for shields; in south Africa it is sliced up into thongs.
The earliest remains of the rhinoceros are found in miocene strata, and in the subse quent tertiary deposits they frequently occur. Ten species have been described. A two-horned species was found by Pallas in the frozen gravel of Siberia, along with the mammoth, still covered with a shaggy coat of long wool. and having its flesh pri served.