714 THE ELEPHANT OF INDIA. 



Clasps for the hind legs are made with a joint 

 in the middle, and studded in the inside with 

 short nails, which inflict much pain when the 

 animal begins to struggle, and ultimately oblige 

 him to desist. In case of the men being dis- 

 covered during the operation of binding, the tame 

 Elephants will attack and restrain the wild animal 

 until they escape ; and instances are even told of 

 their having suffered death in defence of their 

 keeper. If the binding is successful, the animal 

 ;s left to himself during the first day, and, on 

 discovering his position, vents his anger and dis- 

 appointment in struggles and incessant roaring, 

 refusing all sustenance or kindness. Thirst and 

 exhaustion, however, begin to tame him, and he 

 gradually receives water, and the same tame 

 animals which captured him, with their keepers, 

 by degrees win upon him by pampering his 

 appetite, and doing him various acts of kind- 

 ness. Before being liberated, large ropes are 

 fastened round his body. When still trouble- 

 some, and they sometimes make furious attempts 

 to escape, the leading Elephant proceeds as 

 quickly as possible, while others goad him behind, 

 and the mahouts spur them on.* 



Another method of catching Elephants is men- 

 tioned by Colonel Williamson as practised in 

 Kepaul and the frontier countries a kind of 

 * Oriental Field Sports. 



