Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalof51521909150roya).pdf/253

 The following notes by the Secretary of the Society conclude the article in "Asiatick Researches." and are sufficiently interesting to bear repetition.

"The animal's habits continue of the gentle and indolent character mentioned in the preceding communication, and it agrees with Major Farquhar's description in every respect, except in its evincing a great fondness for water: it constantly seeks a pool in which it remains immersed the greater part of the day; and not unfrequently dives for a very considerable period, presenting in this respect another analogy to the Tapir of South America.

"The following description of a young animal, received subsequently from Major Farquhar, with some interesting communications on subjects of natural history, will complete the information we at present possess regarding the oriental Tapir.

"The drawing which accompanies the following account of a young Tapir, and which I have the pleasure of offering to the acceptance of the Asiatic Society, was taken from an animal about four months old, and represents it as of a reddish brown colour, studded with white spots. It was taken from one I had alive in the house. After it has passed the above period, it begins gradually to change colour until the age of six months, by which time it has lost all its beautiful spots, and attained the general colour of the full grown Tapir as represented in a drawing transmitted from hence to the Asiatic Society in the beginning of last year. The Tapir from which the present drawing was made, I preserved alive in the house for upwards of six months, when it died suddenly. I found it an animal possessed of a most mild and gentle disposition. It became as tame and familiar as any of the dogs about the house, fed indiscriminately on all kinds of vegetables; and was very fond of attending at table to receive bread, cakes, or the like. It seemed very susceptible of cold, notwithstanding the great thickness of its skin, and I think I may venture without safety to affirm that