THE HIPPO'S CHABGE. 79 guns, and saw a huge hippopotamus, open-mouthed, on the point of again charging the boat. Fortunately both the sergeant and I hit the beast, I with two barrels ; and the three shots were enough to kill him, though they did not quite stay the impetus of his charge, as we had another bump. The force of the shock was diminished by the helm having BEDDEN HILLS.

been put down, and happily the boat righted itself.

-This incident is represented in the sketch, which also gives a view of Bedden hills and island. It is a great wonder that more frequently fatal accidents do not occur from the attacks of hippopotami ; if a boat be upset there is little chance of reaching the bank in safety, as the current is so strong, and in this part there are immense numbers of crocodiles in the river.