KLIP DAS, SYRIAN HYRAX, AND HIPPOPOTAMUS. 265 



classed among the rodents and placed among the rabbits and hares. 

 It has, however, been discovered in later years that this little rabbit- 

 like animal is no rodent at all, but is one of the Pachydermata, and 

 that it forms a natural transition from the rhinoceros to the hippo- 

 potamus. On a close examination of the teeth, they are seen to be 

 wonderfully like those of the hippopotamus, their edges being bevelled 

 off in a similar manner, and therefore bearing some resemblance to the 

 chisel-edged incisors of the rodents. There are several species of 

 Hyrax, one of which inhabits Northern Africa and Syria, while two 

 are found in Abyssinia and South Africa. 



The South African Hyrax is termed by the colonists Klip Das, or 

 Rock Rabbit, and is found in considerable numbers among the moun- 

 tainous districts of its native land, being especially common on the 

 sides of the Table Mountain. It is eaten largely by the natives, who 

 succeed in killing it in spite of its extreme wariness and activity. 



Among the crevices and fissures in the rock the Hyrax takes up its 

 abode, and may often be seen sitting in the warm rays of the sun, or 

 feeding with apparent carelessness on the aromatic herbage of the 

 mountain-side. It is, however, perfectly secure, in spite of its apparent 

 negligence, for a sentinel is always on guard, ready, by a peculiar shrill 

 cry, to warn his companions of the approach of danger. Sometimes 

 the Hyrax is seen at a considerable height, but is often observed near 

 the seashore, seated on rocks which are barely above high-water mark. 



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 in color, 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 Syrian 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 Cape Hyrax, and needs no further description. 



The last on the list of the pachydermatous animals is the well-known 

 Hippopotamus, 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 average height of 

 a full-grown Hippopotamus is about five feet. Its naked skin is dark 

 brow^n, curiously marked with innumerable lines like those on " crackle " 



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