180 PACHYDERMATOUS WATER TRESPASSERS. 



eyes (the " garret-windows," as Gordon Camming calls 

 them), and the nostrils. Formerly, it used to be the 

 custom to aim at the eye, because, if it were accurately 

 struck, the shot was almost instantly fatal. Now, 

 however, the hunter aims at the nostrils, for such 

 accuracy of aim is not absolutely necessary, and, if the 

 animal be hit anywhere about the nostrils, it is rendered 

 incapable of remaining below the surface, so that it 

 falls a comparatively easy prey to the bullet. Three 

 pairs of bright scarlet spots are seen on the surface of 

 the water, indicating the positions of the ears, the 

 eyes, and the nostrils. The hunter aims between the 

 nostrils, and, unless he is a very bad shot, is tolerably 

 sure to cripple the animal. 



The point mentioned by Mr. Buckland about the 

 hide is well worthy of further consideration, inasmuch 

 as it is one of the most important modifications of 

 structure which enable the animal to be a water 

 trespasser. In most of the animals which have been 

 described, the vital parts are defended from the water 

 by a modification of their fur, which forms a water- 

 proof covering. But the Hippopotamus has no hair, 

 so that another mode of protection is needed. This is 

 obtained in a manner similar to that which has been 

 already noticed in the whale tribe. 



The body is first covered with a thick layer of fat, 

 which is a bad conductor of heat, and therefore serves 

 to keep the animal warm. This fat is called by the 

 Dutch colonists Zee-koe speck, or sea-cow bacon, and 

 is much esteemed as an article of diet. Over this 

 casing of fat comes the skin, which is about an inch 

 and a half in thickness, and is pierced with innume- 



