184 HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



resemblance to that of the Rhinoceros, but is 

 thicker, and is made into whips: the tail is nearly 

 a foot long, taper, and flatted at the end, which is 

 thinly furnished with hairs like bristles: its leg's 

 are so short, that its belly almost touches the 

 ground; the hoofs are divided into four parts, un- 

 connected by membranes. 



When alarmed or pursued, it takes to the water, 

 plunges in, and sinks to the bottom ; where it walks 

 at full ease. It often rises to the surface, and re- 

 mains with its head out of the water, making a 

 bellowing noise, which may be heard at a great 

 distance. It feeds during the night, on the banks 

 of the rivers, and sometimes does great damage 

 in the adjacent plantations of rice and other 

 grain.* 



The Hippopotamus is naturally mild and gentle, 

 very slow, and heavy in its movements upon land, 

 but in the water bold and active; and when pro- 

 voked or wounded, will rise and attack boats or 

 canoes with great fury. Dampier says, he has 

 known one of these animals sink a boat full of 

 people, by biting a hole in the bottom with its tusks. 

 The method of taking it is by digging pits in the 

 sand, in those parts through which the animal 

 passes in its way to the river after it has been feed- 

 ing. 



* The Arabic name of the Hippopotamus is Barnik, the Nubians 

 call it Ird. It is a dreadful plague, on account of its voracity, and 

 the want of means in the inhabitants to destroy it. They never rise 

 above water in the day time, but come on shore in the night, when 

 they destroy as much by the treading of their enormous feet, as by 

 their voracity. It is generally said that no musket ball can bring 

 them to the ground, unless they are hit in the vulnerable spot, which 

 js over the ear. Burckhardfs Travels. 



