‘‘a monstrous Hippopotamus reared itself up from
the water, and in a most ferocious and menacing
attitude rushed open-mouthed at the boat, and
with one grasp of its tremendous jaws seized and
tore seven planks from her side. The creature
disappeared for a few seconds, and then rose
again, apparently intending to repeat the attack,
but was fortunately deterred by the contents of
a musket discharged in itsface. The boat rapidly
filled, but as she was not more than an oar’s length
from the shore they succeeded in reaching it be-
fore she sank. The keel, in all probability, had
touched the back of the animal, which, irritating
him, occasioned this furious attack; and had he
got his upper jaw above the gunwale, the whole
broadside must have been torn out. ‘The force of
the shock from beneath, previously to the attack,
was so violent that her stern was almost lifted out
of the water, and Mr. Tombs, the midshipman
steering, was thrown overboard, but fortunately
rescued before the irritated animal could seize
him." [1]
The flesh of this vast creature, which has been compared to an immense, overgrown prize-pig, much esteemed as an article of food. In South Africa it is in high request with the colonists, and we are told that the epicures of Cape Town do not disdain to use their influence with the country farmers to obtain a preference in the matter of Sea-cow’s speck, as the fat which lies immediately under the skin is called when salted and dried. Out of its thick hide, excellent whips are manufactured. ‘They are said to be made by cutting the fresh skin into triangular strips five
- ↑ Owen’s “Narrative of Voyages, &c.”
