Homesick Hippopotamus

Ehiring Bayard Taylor's visit to the zoological gardens in London he noticed a hippopotamus which lay in its tank apparently oblivious of its surroandings. Entering into conversation with the keeper one rnorning, he was told that the creature refused to eat and was gradually starving itself to death. "I fancy it's homesick, " added the keeper. "He's a fine specimen, and it seeins a pity we should lose him, bnt he's moped ever sinoe the keeper who had charge of him on board the steamer left. He pays no attention to anything I say. " Learning that the creature canie from a part of África he had once visited, Mr. Taylor, on an impulse, leaned forward and addressed it in the dialect used by the hunters and keepers of that región. The animal lifted its head, and the small eyes opened. Mr. Taylor repeated Iris remark, when what does Mr. Hippo do but paddie slowly over to where he stod. Crossing to the other 6ide of tho tank, the experiment was repeated with the same result, the poor thing showing unmistakable signs of joy, oven consenting to reoeive food froin the hand of his new friend. Mr. Taylor paid several visits to the gardens, being always noticed by his African friend. Finally, bef ore leaving the city, he taught the keeper a few sentences he had been in %e habit of addressing to the hippopo'4nias and went his away. Two years later he was : London, and, curious to kuow the result, again paid his respects to his amphibious friend. To his surprise the creature recognized his voice at once, and expressed his joy by paddling from side to side of his tank after his visitor. Bayard Taylor says that it convinced him that even a hippopotamus may have affections, and tenacious ones at