216 THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 
rabbit, but on a closer inspection the supposed claws are seen to be veritable 
hoofs, black in colour, and very similar to those of the rhinoceros in form 
‘The Hyrax is an agile little creature, and can climb a rugged tree-trunk with 
great ease. It is rather hot in its temper, and if irritated becomes highly 
excited, and moves its teeth and feet with remarkable activity and force. 
i THE SYRIAN HyYRAxX is the animal which is mentioned under the name of 
coney” in the Old Testament, and is found inhabiting the clefts and caverns 
of rocks. In its habits and general appearance it is very similar to the Cape 
Hyrax, and needs no further description. 
THE last on the list of the pachydermatous animals is the well-known 
HIPPOPOTAMUS, or RIVER HORSE. 
HIPPOPOTAMUS, OR ZEEKOE.~—(Hippopotamus amphibius.) 
This enormous quadruped is a native of various parts of Africa, and is 
always found either in water or in its near vicinity. In absolute height it is 
not very remarkable, as its legs are extremely short, but the actual bulk of its 
body is very great indeed. The average height of a full-grown Hippopotamus 
is about five feet. Its naked skin is dark brown, curiously marked with in- 
numerable lines like those on “crackle” china or old oil-paintings, and is 
also dappled with a number of sooty black spots, which cannot be seen except 
on a close inspection. A vast number of pores penetrate the skin, and exude 
a thick, oily liquid, which effectually serves to protect the animal from the 
injurious effects of the water in which it is so constantly immersed. Some 
years ago, when the male Hippopotamus in the Zoological Gardens was young 
and gentle, I patted his back, and entirely spoiled a pair of new kid gloves. 
The mouth is enormous, and its size is greatly increased by the odd manner 
in which the jaw is set in the head. 
Within the mouth is an array of white gleaming tusks, which have a 
