Unlike the Rhinoceros, which from whatsoever
cause most assuredly tends to diminish in number,
no early extinction need be prophesied for that
great amphibious pachyderm the Hippopotamus,
which continues to be extremely numerous in
Zambezia when once the main stream of the great
river is left behind. As I remember the Zambezi
in the early nineties, hippopotami were still
numerous, but the daily passage of the steamers
has driven them into the affluents and marshes
which extend in places for long distances, and,
secure in these impenetrable fastnesses, they will
continue to multiply for many years to come.
When I first arrived in Zambezia in 1894, I heard
many stories of the danger these great beasts were
to navigation in small boats and canoes, and there
is no doubt that the natives are still in great dread
of them. For some hitherto unexplained reason,
they are addicted to a playful habit of upsetting
these frail craft, apparently for the pure enjoy-
ment of watching the struggles of the occupants
in the water. It is a curious fact that there are
very few cases on record of the natives being
molested whilst swimming, although this has
happened. Having caused the capsize, the great
beast does not retreat. He remains on the surface


[sto val


“SANVLOdOddI A


THE HIPPOPOTAMUS 249


calmly regarding the catastrophe with an air of
deprecating surprise which is almost apologetic.
