64 NATURAL HISTORY OP 



which began everywhere at the same time, and in 

 the same order. The soldiers marched very close 

 together, and always towards the centre, driving be- 

 fore them the beasts. Their officers were behind, 

 observing them. All were armed, as if on a martial 

 expedition, with helmets of iron, corslets of leather, 

 bucklers of wicker, scimitars, bows, quivers full of 

 arrows, files, hatchets, clubs, cords, packing-needles 

 and threads. It was forbidden to kill or wound any 

 animal, whatever violence the beast offered. They 

 were to shout and frighten the game from passing 

 the inclosure ; for the Emperor so ordained. Thus 

 they marched every day, driving the beasts before 

 them. All that is practised in war, was punctually 

 observed ; sentinels relieved, watchwords given. 

 Thus, for some weeks, they marched without inter- 

 ruption ; but a river, not everywhere fordable, caused 

 a halt: the beasts were driven into it, and swam 

 across ; the soldiers passed over upon round pieces 

 of hide, bound together, several being seated upon 

 one of these bundles of leather, each of which was 

 led to a horse's tail ; the horse drew it across the 

 river, following a person that swam before. Now 

 the circle lessening, and the beasts finding them- 

 selves pressed, some ran to the mountains, some to 

 the valleys, some to the forests and thickets; whence 

 scenting the hunters, they fled elsewhere. They re- 

 treated to holes and burrows ; but spades, mattocks, 

 and ferrets, brought them out. 



*' The beasts now beg- a n to mix, some became 



