THE HAGUE – THE NETHERLANDS
The rhinoceros was exhibited at the Haegse Fair on the Voorhout in The Hague, advertised on 10 May 1745 (source 2301). The Fair (Hofkermis) traditionally took place in May.
Source 2301. Gravenhaegse Courant, 10 May 1745
Douwe Mout 1745. ‘s Gravenhaegse Courant, Monday 10 May 1745, p. 2.
Original text (Dutch)
Werd bekend gemaekt, dat heeden op de Haegse Kermis is te zien, een leevendige Rhinoceros, zynde in ‘t Gebied van den Grooten Mogol gevangen in ‘t Landschap Assem, en uyt Bengalen in Holland aengeland, wiens weerga nooyt bevorens hier is geweest, zynde omtrent 7 jaer oud en by de vyf duyzend pond zwaer, en dus wel een derde zwaerder als doen hy in Holland is aengekomen, 6 voet hoog, 14 voet lang; het lyf 16 en 1 halve voet dik, eet alle dag 60 pond grof Hooy en 20 pond brood, drinkt 14 emmeren water, en is zo mak als een Lam. De Vertoon plaets is in ‘t Voorhout in een Tent.
English translation
It was announced that today at the Hague Fair, a living rhinoceros can be seen. It was captured in the territory of the Great Mogul in the Assem region and landed in Holland from Bengal. The likes of which have never before been seen here. It is about 7 years old and weighs five thousand pounds, making it a third heavier than when it arrived in Holland. It is 6 feet high, 14 feet long, its body 16 and a half feet thick. It eats 60 pounds of coarse hay and 20 pounds of bread daily, drinks 14 buckets of water, and is as meek as a lamb. The exhibition will take place in a tent in the Voorhout.
Gijs van der Ham, toevoegingen 05–2025
