xxxn THE HIPPOPOTAMUS 409 



Swaliili name for the hippopotamus is Kiboko, and a 

 dried strip of the hide is used instead of a whip or cane 

 when riding, and replaces the cane for corporal punish- 

 ment. Its application to the bare back of a porter 

 or a culprit causes more pain than a whip or a cane. 



During the day hippopotamuses remain concealed 

 in the reeds or rushes, or in the water. In places 

 where they are much disturbed they expose themselves 



The canine tooth of a hippopotamus which has grown 

 into a complete circle. It is difficult to imagine the 

 agony caused by such an untoward condition. 

 (Museum, Royal College of Burgeons, England.) 



very cautiously. As a rule, the body is submerged and 

 the head alone exposed. When danger threatens, the 

 head disappears below the surface, and the nostrils are 

 voluntarily closed as the animal sinks under water. The 

 hippopotamus is not only an expert swimmer, but runs 

 quickly along the bed of the river, and can remain 

 under water from five to eight minutes ; it then 

 cautiously raises its head to breathe, exposing only the 



