HIPPOPOTAMI AT HOME. 
the huge size of the animal is taken into consideration. Perhaps it may be enabled to 
contract itself by an exertion of the muscles whenever it desires to sink, and to return to 
its former dimensions when it wishes to return to the surface. It mostly affects the 
stillest reaches of the river, as it is less exposed to the current, and not so liable to be 
swept down the stream while asleep. The young Hippopotamus is not able to bear 
submersion so long as its parent, and is therefore carefully brought to the surface at short 
intervals for the purpose of breathing. During the first few months of the little animal's 
