Library of Cryptozoology

In November, 1905, a pair of tusks of the gigantic "forest pig" were exhibited at a meeting of the Zoological Society. The larger one measured over two feet long on the curve, was collected in Abyssinia by Baron Maurice Rothschild, and the smaller lower tusk came from my collection. The Hon. Walter Rothschild was to have read a paper to the meeting, giving some account of this huge, ferocious beast, of which strange tales are told by African travellers, but he was unfortunately unable to be present. In Mr. Rothschild's absence. Dr. Hartert said that Mr. Rothschild had given a name to the animal to which the tusks were supposed to belong— Colossochoerus —expressing its pig-like nature and colossal bulk, which he considered equal to that of a rhinoceros. When the tusks were handed round for inspection several of the Fellows expressed the opinion that the larger one was an abnormal tusk of an elephant, and this was supported by some of the naturalists of the British Museum ...

Dr. Kirk informs me that the natives of the Zambesi district spoke of a large animal, which was not the Hippopotamus, but as large as it, inhabiting Lake Shirwa. Of course, the natives were familiar enough with the Hippopotamus, and not likely to make any mistake as regards it; but as the animal was not actually seen by any of Dr. Livingstone's party, the statement is only of importance as indicating a point to be inquired into when occasion serves.