io8 



SOME HOOFED ANIMALS 



tically useless for domestic purposes. There are a number 

 of species, all striking in their black and white marking. 



One of the largest of African mammals is the hippo- 

 potamus, two species being known (Fig. 91). They in- 

 habit the great rivers, being thoroughly aquatic in their 

 habits, though nature has not especially adapted them to 

 such a life. They are of enormous bulk ; and although 



Fig, 91,— Hippopotamus and Young. 



they have huge, tusklike teeth, yet they live upon grasses 

 and roots. In the rivers of their choice they are most 

 active at night. During the day they can be seen with 

 their backs or heads just at the surface, often bearing the 

 young, that appear to be walking on the water. When 

 attacked they become savage foes and have been known 

 to crush a boat in their powerful jaws as easily as paper. 

 A large specimen I observed in confinement invariably 

 opened its enormous mouth when approached, — a mute 

 method of begging for food, that was irresistible. 



