CREATURES OF THE WILDERNESS 189 



is hung from a tree over a spot on the bank 

 where these animals are known to be in the 

 habit of coming- ashore. A long line, with a 

 buoy at the end, is also tied to the harpoon 

 and a rope is fastened across the path so that 

 the animal, forcing its way past the obstacle, 

 automatically releases the weighted harpoon, 

 which falls on its back and pierces the hide. 

 The unfortunate creature, now in great pain, 

 dashes back into the water and makes frantic 

 but futile efforts to rid itself of the instrument 

 of torture, which, however, sticks fast, like a 

 banderilla in a bull. As its movements under 

 water are betrayed by the tell-tale buoy, it has 

 no chance of escaping from its enemies, who 

 follow in their canoes, thrusting a spear into it 

 whenever it comes up to breathe. Then the 

 end comes, and the great carcase is cut up 

 and divided among the hungry hunters. It is 

 a horrible, if necessary, business, but I do not 

 believe that the practice has spoilt the temper 

 of a single hippopotamus, for the simple reason 

 that the victim never escapes alive. The stray 

 bullet of the tourist is quite another matter, for 

 it wounds the poor beast just enough to madden 

 it and no more. The " sportsman " then goes 

 on his way, and one more furious hippopotamus 

 is added to the long list of those thirsting to 

 avenge themselves on the tyrant man. 



The hippopotamus feeds chiefly on the water- 



