XXXII 
THE HIPPOPOTAMUS 
409 
Swahili name for the hippopotamus is Kiboko, and a 
dried strip of the hide is used instead of a whip or cane 
when riding, and replaces the cane for corporal punish¬ 
ment. Its application to the bare back of a porter 
or a culprit causes more pain than a whip or a cane. 
During the day hippopotamuses remain concealed 
in the reeds or rushes, or in the water. In places 
where they are much disturbed they expose themselves 
The canine tooth of a hippopotamus which has grown 
into a complete circle. It is difficult to imagine the 
agony caused by such an untoward condition. 
(Museum, Royal College of Surgeons, England.) 
very cautiously. As a rule, the body is submerged and 
the head alone exposed. When danger threatens, the 
head disappears below the surface, and the nostrils are 
voluntarily closed as the animal sinks under water. The 
hippopotamus is not only an expert swimmer, but runs 
quickly along the bed of the river, and can remain 
under water from five to eight minutes ; it then 
cautiously raises its head to breathe, exposing only the 
