Attitude when at rest. Z}^ 



those in herds ; and it is a manifest error, arising from 

 imperfect information, to extend this censure to elephants 

 generally, or to suppose it to be an animal "thirsting 

 for blood, lying in wait in the jungle to rush on the 

 unwary passer-by, and knowing no greater pleasure than 

 the act of crushing his victim to a shapeless mass beneath 

 his feet."i The cruelties practised by hunters have no 

 doubt taught these sagacious creatures to be cautious 

 and alert, but their precautions are simply defensive ; 

 and beyond the alarm and apprehension which they 

 evince on the approach of man, they exliibit no indication 

 of hostility or thirst for blood. 



An ordinary traveller seldom comes upon elephants 

 unless after sunset or towards daybreak, as they go to or 

 return from their nightly visits to the tanks : but when 

 by accident a herd is disturbed by day, they evince, if 

 unattacked, no disposition to become assailants ; and if 

 the attitude of defence which they instinctively assume 

 prove sufficient to check the approach of the intruder, no 

 further demonstration is to be apprehended. 



Even the hunters who go in search of them find them 

 in positions and occupations altogether inconsistent with 

 the idea of their being savage, wary, or revengeful. 

 Their demeanour when undisturbed is indicative of 

 gentleness and timidity, and their actions bespeak las- 

 situde and indolence, induced not alone by heat, but 

 probably ascribable in some degree to the fact that the 

 night has been spent in watchfulness and amusement. 

 A few are generally browsing listlessly on the trees and 



' The Rifle and the Hoiind, p. 13. 

 G 2 



