XLV.

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS.

“Ye seek Elikoia’s life....Ye watch to make sure of your prey, when the boy is alone, his thoughts fixed on high....Ye shall wear hideous forms, ye shall wander on the land, as well as on the water, but nowhere shall ye find rest.  Ye shall dread and be dreaded by all; ye shall constantly be put to death, that your hide and carcase at least may serve for useful purposes in the land that ye have denied....  Ye shall be slain with no more compunction than when a man cuts down a tree with which to make his hut.” [1]....

     [Footnote 1:  The above belongs to the ancient mythology
     of Montalluyah.]

Hippopotami are very numerous in my planet; their breed is encouraged, for they are found to be invaluable.

They are of a cruel nature, and there is much antipathy between them and human beings.  Apart from the valuable uses to which they are made subservient, these beasts are regarded in our planet with a feeling akin to that with which you regard the serpent, it having been supposed in the early ages of our world that the hippopotamus embodied a portion of the spirit of the enemy of mankind.

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS HIDE.

The hide of the beast is of remarkable strength and durability, and is impervious to water; indeed, its toughness is, if possible, increased by immersion.  It is used for a variety of purposes, forming a covering for our vessels, the want of which nothing could supply in our tempestuous and rocky seas.  It serves most effectually to insulate and protect our electric telegraphs both by land and sea.  It resists the most violent usage, and no force, without the application of fire, can break it, for it is so tough, even in an unprepared state, that it can only be severed or penetrated by the application of fire and red-hot penetrating-irons.

The nearest approach to the hide of the hippopotamus is that of the rhinoceros; but this is not so tough or so durable, and it is inferior in other qualities.

The value of the hippopotamus is incalculable.  Whilst alive, we can extract from him a powerful electricity.  When dead, besides the innumerable purposes to which the hide is applied, his bones, marrow, oil, fat, and, indeed, every part of the carcase, are of great value.

Some portions of the ugly beast are made subservient to the beautiful, for they are used in the arts to give additional brilliancy to colours.

The bones, which are susceptible of a beautiful polish like ivory, and are transparent, are used for articles of elegant furniture and ornaments of varied beauty.

At some distance from Montalluyah is a large tract of country, called “Hippopotamus Land,” where there is an abundance of everything that the beasts like or need, such as sand, moss, nut-trees, and a peculiar plant, which is their favourite food.