TAPIR, in zoology, by some accounted a species of HIPPOPOTAMUS, has the fore-hoofs divided into four, and the hind-hoofs into three parts. The nose extends far beyond the lower jaw, is slender, and forms a sort of proboscis; it is capable of being contracted or extended at pleasure, and its sides are falcated. The extremities of both jaws end in a point, and there are ten cutting teeth in each. Between them and the grinders there is a vacant space; and there are 10 grinders in each jaw. The ears are erect, the eyes small, and the body is shaped like that of a hog. The back is arched; the legs are short; and the hoofs small, black, and hollow. The tail is very small. The animal grows to the size of a heifer half a year old. The hair is short: when young, it is spotted with white; when old, of a dusky colour.— It inhabits the woods and rivers of the eastern side of South America, from the Isthmus of Darien to the river of Amazons. It sleeps during day, in the darkest and thickest forests adjacent to the banks; and goes out in the night-time in search of food. It lives on grass, sugar-
Tapping gar-canes, and on fruits. If disturbed, it takes to the water; swims very well; or sinks below, and, like the hippopotame, walks on the bottom as on dry ground. It makes a sort of hissing noise. The Indians shoot it with poisoned arrows: they cut the skin into bucklers; and eat the flesh, which is said to be very good. It is a falacious, slow-footed, and sluggish animal. Gumila says, it will make a vigorous resistance if attacked, and scarce fails staying the dogs which it can lay hold of.—Dampier and Bancroft give very faulty descriptions of this beast, imagining it to be the same with the hippopotame.