THE HIPPOPOTAMUS 



Natives succeed in killing Hippos by harpooning 

 them from canoes ; a float of light wood or a 

 bladder is attached to the harpoon by means of a 

 long cord. This float betrays the exact position 

 of the animal, and the hunters spear it every time 

 it rises to the surface to breathe, until it receives 

 a mortal wound and sinks to the bottom. The 

 hunters then patiently await the rising of the carcase 

 some hours later, and tow it to the shore or into 

 the shallow water. 



Another method is to set a trap consisting of a 

 heavily-weighted spear from a tree branch over a 

 beaten track, along which the Hippo travels at 

 night to feed. However, until the introduction of 

 firearms, Hippos continued to thrive and multiply. 



The flesh of the Hippo is excellent, as all writers 

 who have partaken of it testify. Between the 

 muscles and the skin there is a layer. of fat which 

 is known as " Zeekoe Speck." This fat must be 

 salted at once to preserve it, as it rapidly decom- 

 poses. It is highly prized by both Europeans and 

 natives. 



The skin of the Hippo is converted into sjamboks, 

 by cutting off a strip of hide and rounding and 

 softening it. The Hippo whips or sjamboks are in 

 great demand by South African farmers. The 

 teeth furnish a hard ivory, from which dentists 

 formerly made artificial teeth. 



The Hippo is an attractive Zoo animal, and thrives 

 well if properly cared for. It breeds in captivity. 



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