Folio 15r Commentary

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f15r Text: The monoceros. The bear. Illustrations: The monoceros has the head of a stag, the tail of a boar, elephant's feet and a horse's body. A horn four feet long projects from his head. This creature was derived from the Indian rhinoceros. The bear forms its offspring with its mouth. The female gives birth to a small eyeless piece of flesh which is gradually shaped in to a cub by licking. It is born head first resulting in a weak head supported by strong loins which allow the animal to stand on its hind legs. Pricking and ruling are visible. In the right margin the letter 'u' is an initial indicator. The initial is type 2. Single 'v' shape in top right margin, in faint ink. In the lower margin is a faint sketch of a man with beard and tight fitting cap, sideways on. This is in a different style from the other illustrations and is probably later in date. The monoceros illustration in detail The bear illustration in detail