xii THE HIPPOPOTAMUS 249 



The hippo, if well struck, is fixed by two harpoons, to each of 

 which a rope is attached. A float of exceedingly light wood, the 

 size of an ordinary man's head, is secured to the extremity of each 

 rope, and these are arranged in lengths proportioned to the maxi- 

 mum depth of the river, generally about 30 feet. 



When the hippopotamus feels the wound, it immediately 

 plunges to the bottom, and rushes madly to and fro until it again 

 rises to the surface to take breath. It at once perceives the large 

 float at the extreme end of the line, and frightened at the unaccus- 

 tomed object, it seeks the concealment of the bottom. 



In the meantime the hunters have safely landed, and are joined 

 by their numerous companions, well provided with long ropes, and 

 armed with spare harpoons and well-sharpened lances. 



The difficulty of capturing the hippopotamus would at first 

 sight appear most formidable, but a very clever, though simple, 

 plan enables the hunter to secure the float which is fastened to 

 the 'harpoon line. The river may be about 150 yards in width. 

 One of the hunters swims across, or wades if he can find a shallow 

 ford, about 100 yards above the spot where the float upon the 

 surface denotes the place beneath which the hippo is hidden in 

 the river's depths. The man who crosses over takes the end of a 

 long rope. This is more than sufficient to reach from bank to 

 bank, and either end is now in possession of a howarti (hippo- 

 hunter). An exceedingly strong but a lighter line is fastened to 

 the centre of the rope, which is now stretched across the river, 

 and the end of this second line is held by the same man who holds 

 the superior rope ; thus, upon one shore a man holds one end only, 

 while upon the other shore his companion holds the extremities of 

 two lines, one being fastened to the middle of the larger or main rope. 



It may be easily understood that the angle may be increased 

 or decreased simply by widening the base through an extension of 

 the two ends of the lines. 



In this manner the two hunters advance upon either bank, 

 dragging the rope upon the surface until they can touch the float 

 which they intend to secure. They manipulate their lines in a 

 manner that enables them to catch the float between the two 

 ropes. When this is accomplished, the hunter on the opposite 

 slUe of the river slacks off his rope, as his companion joins his two 

 lines together and hauls upon the float, which is now secured in 

 the angle '. )etween them. The man who has let go his end of the 

 rope now rejoins his companions, and they all haul away upon 

 thj lines - ihat have captured the float, to drag the hippopotamus 

 towards die shore. 



