Rlnnoceros, Hyrsx, and Hippopotamus. 159 



When an attack upon one of these creatures is con- 

 templated, the hunters proceed, by means of a raft, 

 into the midst of a herd, and plunge the harpoon into 

 the body of the nearest animal. The wounded hippo- 

 potamus immediately dives, but is unable to shake off 

 the harpoon, owing to the barbed point. As often as 

 he rises he is attacked with spears, etc., which speedily 

 complete the work of destruction. 



Sometimes the wounded animal turns savagely upon 

 its pursuers, and succeeds in tearing the raft or boat 

 to fragments, occasionally killing one or more of the 

 crew before they are able to reach the land. 



The hippopotamus is generally found in tolerably 

 large herds, each consisting of from twenty to thirty 

 or more animals. Chiefly aquatic in their habits, 

 they are generally to be found in the larger rivers and 

 lakes. They are not averse to salt water, being often 

 noticed floating or swimming in the sea itself. 



The hide is enormously thick and strong, being 

 fully two inches in thickness along the back. The 

 well-known ' sjambok ' whips are formed from this 

 skin, which is prepared for use in a somewhat 

 curious manner. Strips of suitable length are cut, 

 and are then beaten with a hammer in order to con- 

 solidate the substance of the hide. This done, they 

 are thoroughly dried, and are finally rounded off and 

 polished by means of a sharp knife and sandpaper. 



A well-made sjambok is a terrible weapon, capable 

 of cutting a deep groove in a deal board with a single 

 well-directed stroke. 



There are two kinds of sjambok. One is used for 

 driving oxen, and is attached to a long bamboo 

 handle in such a manner that the complete instrument 

 looks like a gigantic fishing-rod. In the hands of an 

 experienced driver it becomes a terrible weapon, to 

 which even the tough hide and obstinately sluggish 



