54 The Wild Elephant. 



individuals, — led them across the open ground with the 

 most extraordinary composure and quietness, till he 

 joined the advanced guard, when he left them for a 

 moment and repeated his former reconnoissance at the 

 edge of the tank. After which, having apparently 

 satisfied himself that all was safe, he returned and 

 obviously gave the order to advance, for in a moment 

 che whole herd rushed into the water with a degree of 

 unreserved confidence, so opposite to the caution and 

 timidity which had marked their previous movements, 

 that nothing will ever persuade me that there was not 

 rational and preconcerted co-operation throughout the 

 whole party, and a degree of responsible authority exer- 

 cised by the patriarch leader. 



"When the poor animals had gained possession of the 

 tank (the leader being the last to enter), they seemed 

 to abandon themselves to enjoyment without restraint 

 or apprehension of danger. Such a mass of animal life 

 I had never before seen huddled together in so narrow 

 s space. It seemed to me as though they would have 

 nearly drunk the tank dry. I watched them with great 

 interest until they had satisfied themselves as well in 

 bathing as in drinking, when I tried how small a noise 

 would apprise them of the proximity of unwelcome 

 neighbours. I had but to break a little twig, and the 

 solid mass instantly took to flight like a herd of fright- 

 ened deer, each of the smaller calves being apparently 

 shouldered and carried along between two of the older 

 ones." 1 



' Letter from Major Skinner. 



