Ward, Rowland (1913) A Naturalist's Life Study in the Art of Taxidermy, R. Ward, pp. 163-164
In November, 1905, a pair of tusks of the gigantic "forest pig" were exhibited at a meeting of the Zoological Society. The larger one measured over two feet long on the curve, was collected in Abyssinia by Baron Maurice Rothschild, and the smaller lower tusk came from my collection. The Hon. Walter Rothschild was to have read a paper to the meeting, giving some account of this huge, ferocious beast, of which strange tales are told by African travellers, but he was unfortunately unable to be present.
In Mr. Rothschild's absence. Dr. Hartert said that Mr. Rothschild had given a name to the animal to which the tusks were supposed to belong—Colossochoerus—expressing its pig-like nature and colossal bulk, which he considered equal to that of a rhinoceros. When the tusks were handed round for inspection several of the Fellows expressed the opinion that the larger one was an abnormal tusk of an elephant, and this was supported by some of the naturalists of the British Museum (Natural History) and Mr. Tomes. It was also pointed out that the exposed surface presented the engine-turned appearance so familiar in elephant ivory. Mr. Boulenger, who occupied the chair, thought it was a pity that descriptions should be given until fuller material was available.
Comments
Post a Comment