young specimens it is scarcely visible when the other is several inches in
length. In the Rhinoceros Keitloa, again, the young have both horns of
equal length.
The present species, under the name o f Rhinoster, has been familiarly known to the colonists
of the Cape of Good Hope ever since 1652. In that year, when the Dutch first formed their
settlement on the shores o f Table Bay, this animal was a regular inhabitant o f the thickets
which clothed the lower slopes of Table Mountain. The abandonment of those spots by this
animal as a measure of safety, probably constituted the commencement of a forced migration,
which has continued to extend ever since, and which has led not only to the disappearance of
the species from the districts within the present colonial limits, but also in a great measure to
its removal from countries beyond those limits, as far as hunters efficiently armed are accustomed
to resort. If a system, such as has hitherto prevailed, continues to exist, and the larger
animals persevere in flying to avoid the effects of fire-arms, the time may arrive when the
various species which formerly may have been scattered, each, in a peculiar locality of a large
continent, will be huddled together; and indeed an advance towards that period is in progress,
as may be inferred from the concentration which is at present taking place in the interior of
South Africa. Though many of the individuals which inhabited the countries where now not
a single Rhinoceros is to be seen, were doubtless destroyed, yet it is equally certain that many
others escaped, and thereby assisted in adding to the accumulation which is in progress in
other localities. Until lately the present was the only species of the genus which was known
to be receding from its native country, but of late another has been led to a like course; and
the Rhinoceros Simns which but a few years ago was common in the neighbourhood of
Latakoo, has, since the more general introduction of fire-arms into that country, almost
entirely ceased to approach within a hundred miles of it. From a consideration of the various
facts which we have collected in relation to the species now under consideration, and which we
shall detail more at length elsewhere, we feel disposed to regard it to a certain extent as a
prisoner in the country it now inhabits, and are inclined to believe the southern extremity of
the continent, and the country along the western coast towards Benguela to have once formed
its favourite residence.
Like the Keitloa, this species feeds upon brushwood and the smaller branches o f dwarf-trees,
from which circumstance it is invariably found frequenting wooded districts, and in those
situations its course may often be traced by Temarking the mutilations of the bushes. As
it feeds but slowly, and besides passes much of its time in idleness, it must be regarded as a
very moderate eater, and considering it appears to be fastidious in the choice of its food, it is
fortunate for its comfort that it does not require more nourishment. Of the many shrubs
which exist in the localities in which it resides, few comparatively appear formed for its choice,
as it is to be seen approaching many and leaving them again without either injuring a branch
or plucking a leaf. This evident nicety in the selection of its aliment makes it difficult to imagine
how so many large animals as are sometimes congregated together within a very limited
space can find sufficient for their consumption. Even admitting that the reproduction of the
parts which the Rhinoceros may devour takes place with uncommon rapidity in the climates
they inhabit, and consequently the shrubs are comparatively soon in a condition to supply another
meal, yet nevertheless, if these animals consumed in proportion to their bulk, they would
of necessity be forced to be less particular in the choice of their food.