THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 193 
^^ick hide of some, while others were perpe- 
I'tially assailed by a shower of pewter musket- 
^Ils. One, a cub, was nearly caught unin- 
^'ired in attempting to follow its mother, who, 
Sailed to desperation, was endeavouring to 
^^cape through the land party ; but, as soon 
the affectionate brute perceived the danger 
''f her offspring, she rushed furiously at her 
®*iemies, when they in their turn were obliged 
retreat. Again the hunters contrived to 
^^parate them, and had almost secured the 
when the angry mother, regardless of 
ae close fire, succeeded in rescuing and 
faring it off, although herself in a state 
great exhaustion.” With the flood this 
^Port ended. 
Prom the number of shot that were dis- 
^Wrged and apparently took effect, the party 
, no doubt that some of the animals were 
'fled. The natives, a great number of whom 
^^tended them during the hunt, promised to 
'"OL. I. 
o 
