HYRAX, OR KLIP DAS.—Hyrax Cupensis. 
Besides mankind, the Hyrax has many foes, such as the birds of prey and carnivorous 
quadrupeds, and is destroyed in considerable numbers. The fore-feet of this animal are 
apparently furnished with claws like those of the rabbit, but on a closer inspection, 
the supposed claws are seen to be veritable hoofs, black im colour, and very similar to 
those of the rhinoceros in form. The Hyrax is an agile little creature, and can climb a 
rugged tree-trunk with great ease. It is rather hot in its temper, and if irritated, becomes 
highly excited, and moves its teeth and feet with remarkable activity and force. 
The Syr1AN Hyrax is the animal which is mentioned under the name of “coney” in 
the Old Testament, and is found inhabiting the clefts and caverns of rocks. In its habits 
and general appearance it is very similar to the C Cape Hyrax, and needs no farther 
description. Although it will bite fiercely when first captured, it is sufficiently docile in 
disposition, and soon learns to obey its keeper, towards whom it displays an affectionate 
disposition if it be rightly treated. The colour of both species is dark brown, but the 
Syrian animal can be distinguished from the Cape Hyrax by the presence of a great 
number of very long black hairs, which are thickly scattered over its body, and penetrate 
through the shorter fur. Its native name is Ashkoko. 
THE last on the list of the pachydermatous animals is the well-known HiIppoporamus, 
or River Horse. 
This enormous quadruped is a native of various parts of Africa, and is always found 
either in water or in its near vicinity. In absolute height it is not very remarkable, as its 
legs are extremely short, but the actual bulk of its body is very great indeed. The aver rage 
height of a full-crown Hippopotamus is about five feet. Its naked skin is dark brown, 
curiously marked with innumerable lines like those on “crackle” china or old oil-paintings, 
and is also dappled with a number of sooty black spots, which cannot be seen except on 
a close inspection. A vast number of pores penetrate the skin, and exude a thick, oily 
liquid, which effectually seems to protect the animal from the injurious effects of the water 
in which it is so constantly immersed. I once spoiled a pair of gloves entirely by patting 
the male animal at present in the Zoological Gardens. The mouth is enormous, and its 
size is greatly increased by the odd manner in which the jaw is set in the head. 
Within the mouth is an array of white, gleaming tusks, which have a terrific appearance, 
but are solely intended for cutting grass and other vegetable substances, and are seldom 
