248 ZAMBEZIAN ZOOLOGY 



the Zambezi, for so many years regarded as un- 

 certain, has now been placed beyond doubt. 

 Several have been obtained in North Central 

 Africa during the last year or two, and there is 

 some prospect that shortly European Museums 

 may be enriched by still further specimens from 

 the same locahty. 



Unlike the Rhinoceros, which from whatsoever 

 cause most assuredly tends to diminish in number, 

 no early extinction need be prophesied for that 

 great amphibious pachyderm the Hippopotamus, 

 which continues to be extremely numerous in 

 Zambezia when once the main stream of the great 

 river is left behind. As I remember the Zambezi 

 in the early nineties, hippopotami were still 

 numerous, but the daily passage of the steamers 

 has driven them into the affluents and marshes 

 which extend in places for long distances, and, 

 secure in these impenetrable fastnesses, they wiU 

 continue to multiply for many years to come. 

 When I first arrived in Zambezia in 1894, I heard 

 many stories of the danger these great beasts were 

 to navigation in small boats and canoes, and there 

 is no doubt that the natives are stiU in great dread 

 of them. For some hitherto unexplained reason, 

 they are addicted to a playful habit of upsetting 

 these frail craft, apparently for the pure enjoy- 

 ment of watching the struggles of the occupants 

 in the water. It is a curious fact that there are 

 very few cases on record of the natives being 

 molested whilst swimming, although this has 

 happened. Having caused the capsize, the great 

 beast does not retreat. He remains on the surface 



