.",10 THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 



o 



about the fpine exceeded not an inch in thick- 

 nefs. 



The toes were furnilhed with nails. The fkin 

 between the toes were very wide ; and I believe 

 that the feet of this animal, when alive, were 

 rather flat than round. The heel, which is 

 placed high and backward, appeared to. be well 

 adapted for fwimming. The hoof, though thicl^ 

 and hardened, was neverthelefs flexible. 



The dimenfions of this animal were nearly the 

 fame with thofe of Zerenghi's female hippopo- 

 tamus, formerly defcribed. 



I was told, that this hippopotamus had advan- 

 ced a great way upon land in the territories of 

 the Cape, and even near the place called the 

 Mountains ofjhoiv, when it was (hot by Charles 

 Marais, a peafant of French extraction. This 

 peafant brought the fkin to M. de Piettenberg > 

 Governour of the Cape, who tranfmitted it to his 

 Highnefs the Prince. I had the relation from 

 a nephew of C. Marais, who refides in Amfter- 

 dam. According to the account given by this 

 man, who had it from the mouth of Marais, the 

 hippopotamus runs extremely fvvift, both in 

 marfhy places and on the firm ground. It is for 

 this reafon that the peafants, though excellent 

 hunters, dare not fire upon him but when he is 

 in the water. They lie in wait for him about 

 funfet, when the animal raifes his head above 

 the water, and keeps his fmall ears in perpetual 

 agitation, in order to hear if any noife is near. 



When 



