XXXII 
THE HIPPOPOTAMUS 
407 
been informed that the natives in some of the Polynesian 
islands remove the upper tusks of the boars in order 
that the lower tusks, lacking antagonists, shall grow in 
a circular manner and become valuable as charms. 
The hippopotamus uses its canines and incisors 
like an agricultural spud for rooting up the grass 
The skull of a hippopotamus with the jaws opened 
to display the teeth. 
and aquatic plants on which it feeds; also for hghting 
enemies and rival bulls. Hippopotamuses are apt to 
be quarrelsome, and travellers as well as sportsmen 
mention that the hides of the cows, as well as those 
of the bulls, are often well-scarred. 
When hunted or wounded, a hippopotamus will 
