THE BRITISH MUSEUM. 135 



protection of that organ appears to be provided for in the prominence a 

 fig-. 3, in which case a blow would be thrown off in the direction c c 

 which I consider as the use of the conspicuous prominence on the 

 frontal bone. 



The prominences at the back of the neck, a a, fig. 4, I consider as 

 placed there to give a firm arid broad basis for the insertion of the 

 strong and powerful ligaments necessary to support the long neck of 

 the animal, which find a similar provision at their base in the height 

 and expansion of the scapulce, which form the withers of the animal. 

 The above prominences may also serve as bases to the insertion of the 

 muscles which support the head, as well as by their position form a 

 protection to the tender horns with which the animal is furnished. 



THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 



THIS huge and unwieldy animal, of which the present is a very fine 

 specimen, has been estimated at various dimensions by authors. Some 

 have been killed measuring seventeen feet in length, seven in height, 

 and fifteen in circumference ; according to the testimony of experienced 

 travellers. But the individual before us does not by any means come 

 up to the above standard of colossal proportions. Its colour is said to 

 vary considerably, according to its situation ; when just emerged from 

 the water it appears of a palish brown or mouse colour, with a blueish 

 or slate-coloured cast on the upper parts ; and the belly is flesh-coloured, 

 the skin appearing through the hair ; but when quite dry, the colour is, 

 as in the present instance, of an obscure brown, approaching to black, 

 without any of the blueish cast. Its head is of great size and weight, 

 and armed with formidable tusks. From its stupendous size, imposing 

 appearance, and horrid aspect, it is calculated to inspire feelings of 

 dread ; but notwithstanding its exterior, it is of mild and inoffen- 

 sive habits, and subsists wholly on vegetable food. Its singular 

 faculty of sinking at pleasure when in the water, and continuing its 

 course at the bottom, appears to indicate its possessing the open 

 foramen ovale, common to some amphibious animals ; while its thick 

 skin resembles that of the whale, and is probably furnished with a 

 mucilaginous secretion to prevent the effects of maceration. 



I have been often powerfully struck, when viewing the uncouth form 

 of this animal, in juxtaposition as it is with the light and elegant 

 giraffe, at the wonderful adaptation of means to ends in their organisa- 

 tion. In the former all is suited to its habitation in the deep. Its 

 ponderous legs short, and widely separated, and thus fitted either for 



