2i8 The Rifle and Hound in Ceylon. 



from our encampment. We had proceeded about hal 

 way, and our horses were picking their way with diffi- 

 culty over some rocky hills, when we came upon fresh 

 tracks of a herd of elephants. It was too late to go 

 after them that evening, we therefore pitched the tent 

 upon the spot, resolving to track them up at daybreak 

 on the following morning. 



We were accordingly out before sunrise, and came 

 upon the tracks within a mile . of the tent. We at 

 length discovered the herd upon the summit of a steep 

 rocky hill. There were no trees in this part, and we 

 carefully ascended the hill, stepping from rock to rock, 

 and occasionally concealing ourselves in the high grass, 

 till we at length stood at the very feet of the elephants, 

 two of whom were standing upon a large platform of 

 rock, about seven feet above us. They were so high 

 above us that I was obliged to aim about four inches 

 down the trunk, so that the ball should reach the brain 

 in an upward direction ; this shot proved successful, 

 and killed him. V., who had not taken this precaution, 

 missed ; and the whole herd of eight elephants started 

 off in full retreat. 



The rocks were so steep that it occupied some time 

 in climbing over the top of the hill ; upon reaching 

 which, we saw the elephants going off at great speed, 

 with a start of about two hundred paces. The ground 

 was perfectly open, covered by small loose rocks free 

 from grass, and the chase commenced in good earnest. 

 With the elephants in view the whole time, and going 

 at a great pace, a mile was run without the possibility 

 of firing a shot. By this time we had arrived at an un- 

 dulating country covered with small rocks, and grass 

 about four feet high, which made the pace dreadfully 



