1850-51 
THE HIPPOPOTAMUS 
357 
scene, I just happened to see Parodi, before 
throwing down the altar, give one of the un- 
fortunate chorus-girls a sly kick and a vicious 
pinch. It seems the poor “chorus” was in her 
way. Parodi and Sims Reeves played together. 
The latter’s fine voice was overstrained to make it 
go with hers.’ 
In March the Zoological Society had a young 
hippopotamus ‘ on sale or return.’ ‘ At the Gardens 
to-day,’ Mrs. Owen writes, ‘there was an amusing 
scene with the young hippopotamus now there on 
approval, price only 350/.! It was let out of its 
house for us to see, and when once out was so 
much pleased with its liberty and the great tank 
of water, that it declined to go back. Good- 
natured Hunt tried to tempt it with all sorts of 
enticing bits, but we left him still unsuccessful. 
The creature was just like a spoilt child, and 
showed a spirit of obstinacy very pig-like ’ 
'April 12. — R. to take the chair at the Royal 
Society, and underwent the penance (to him) of 
“ rain admeasurements falling in India.” As soon 
as that was over he hurried off to Mr. Mitchell, 
who wanted his opinion with regard to a rhino- 
ceros which is also for sale. Demurs of the Council 
because of the expense of the hippopotamus.’ 
This hippopotamus was ultimately purchased 
by the Zoological Society, and proved a great 
attraction, as may be seen from the following 
entry : ‘ Went to look at the new hippopotamus. 
