THE HIPPOPOTAMUS, OR ZEEKOE. 



761 



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, be- 

 comes 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 farther de- 

 scription. Although it will bite fiercely when first captured, it is sufficiently docile in 

 disposition, and soon learns to obey its keeper, towards whom it displays an affectionate 

 disposition if it be rightly treated. The color of both species is dark brown, but the 

 Syrian animal can be distinguished from the Cape Hyrax by the presence of a great 

 number of very long black hairs, which are thickly scattered over its body, and penetrate 

 through the shorter fur. Its native name is Ashkoko. 



HYRAX, OR KLIP DAS. Hyrax Capeasls. 



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 brown, 

 curiously marked with innumerable lines like those on "crackle "china or old oil-paint- 

 ings, and is also dappled with a number of sooty black spots, which cannot be seen expect 

 on a close inspection. A vast number of pores penetrate the skin, and exude a thick, oily 

 liquid, which effectually seems to protect the animal from the injurious effects of the water 

 in which it is so constantly immersed. I once spoiled a pair of gloves entirely by patting 

 the male animal at present in the Zoological Gardens. The mouth is enormous and 

 its size is greatly increased by the odd manner in which the jaw is set in the head. 



Within the mouth is an array of white, gleaming tusks, which have a terrific appearance, 

 but are solely intended for cutting grass and other vegetable substances, and are seldom 



