Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalof51521909150roya).pdf/251

 "The manner in which the feet are divided is very peculiar; and is the same in both animals; having four hoofs in the fore, and only three in the hind feet. The general size and shape of the tapir of the old and new world will be found nearly alike, but differing in color; the head of this animal is of a peculiar shape, and forms a sort of ridge at top, the eyes are small, ears roundish and bounded with white, which can be drawn forward at pleasure, the legs are short and very stout, the body large, and in shape somewhat resembling that of the hog. The neck is short and thick, and the skin strong and coarse, like that of a buffalo. The hair is short, and of a black colour, from the proboscis to the extremity of the fore quarters; the body and part of the hind quarters of a light grey, and the rest of the hinder parts and legs are black. The tail is very short, and almost destitute of hair. It has no mane on the neck, in which respect it seems likewise to differ from the American tapir. When young it is beautifully spotted with brown and white.

"The tapir of Malacca is not known to the natives as an amphibious animal; it is perfectly harmless, and of a timid disposition. Indeed it seems destitute of any natural means of offence or defence. It feeds on vegetables, and is said to be particularly fond of sugar-cane. Its flesh is eaten by the natives (with the exception of Muhammadans, who deem it unclean) and considered very good: none of these animals have as yet been domesticated at Malacca, but I have no doubt if taken when young, they might be tamed with equal facility as those of America.

"The drawing which accompanies this will be found a faithful representation of the Malacca Tapir. It is taken from life, and will convey a much better idea of the animal than any description I am able to give.

"It is I think, very possible that the Malacca Tapir may be found to correspond more closely with one of the two fossil species described by Cuvier, in his geological discoveries, as having been met with in different parts of France, Germany, and Italy, the one named the small, the other the gigantic, Tapir."