INTO THE GREAT RIFT 221 



reptiles. When the boys dragged this flesh eater 

 ashore. I was surprised to find it measured twelve feet. 

 Sunk in the mud with only the top of its head showing, 

 I had thought it to be only a small crocodile. 



It was now commencing to get dark, but Ted and 

 I had noticed a bull hippopotamus hanging around 

 close to shore, so, hiding ourselves in a bhnd, waited 

 for him to come out of the water. After it was pitch 

 dark he decided that all was safe and slowly splashed 

 his way landwards. These heavy animals cannot 

 leave the lake at any spot, but by repeated comings 

 and goings build themselves a sort of canal, leading 

 from the water on to the sohd earth. These channels, 

 or hippo paths, extended in all directions from this 

 part of the lake. 



Ted and I Hstened as this huge amphibian passed 

 within ten feet of us in the dark, remaining perfectly 

 quiet as he ponderously made his way up the canal. 

 Not considering him dangerous, we left the blind to 

 follow, and the ground being soft and the wind right, 

 he failed to become aware of our presence until we 

 spoke to him in Swahih. With a surprised snort he 

 wheeled around and dashed straight for us as fast as 

 his short legs would carry him. Without hesitation, 

 we did a httle quick moving on our own account, 

 allowing him plenty of room for his journey to the 

 lake. 



The hippopotamus is a very interesting as well as 

 an odd animal, spending his days in the cool water 

 away from the heat and possible enemies on land, 

 coming ashore at night to feed on the green grass 

 bordering the lake or stream. I found out more 

 concerning the habits of this enormous pachyderm 



