QUADRUPEDS. 107 
dous blow with the tail, which throws it within reach 
of their extended jaws. 
294. When autumn has heightened the colouring 
of the foliage of the woods, the Alligators leave the 
lakes to seek for winter quarters, by burrowing un- 
der the roots of trees, or covering themselves with 
earth. At this time they are very stupid and inac- 
tive, and it is not at all dangerous to sit or ride on 
them. They are then killed in great numbers with 
an axe. 
THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 
295. This uncouth and unwieldy creature lives 
in the neighbourhood of some of the largest rivers 
in Africa. Whenever he is surprised, he plunges 
into the water, and walks about on the bottom, rising 
to the surface once in about ten minutes to breathe. 
296. He is not of a ferocious nature. In fact, he 
never appears to be the aggressor, except when an- 
noyed or wounded. In the latter case, he will furi- 
ously attack boats or canoes, and often sink them by 
What places does it resort to in the autumn ? 
Where does the Hippopotamus live ? In what case does he at- 
tack boats and canoes " 
