THE ELEPHANT OF INDIA, 1 15 



kssoing, or throwing a slip-knot over the head 

 of the animal to be captured. Two Elephants 

 are employed, selected for their size and speed, 

 males being preferred. Each mahout is provided 

 with a slip-knot of very strong rope, about two 

 inches in circumference, and ten or twelve yards 

 in length, exclusive of what is passed round the 

 Elephant's body. At the end of the rope, which 

 lies coiled on the Elephant's head, is a sliding 

 noose, that works freely, and has affixed to it a 

 strong cord, for the purpose of relaxing its hold 

 as occasion may require. When the herd is dis- 

 covered, the director of the hunt singles out 

 the one to be pursued ; and in this he is regulated 

 by the size of his Elephants, for he might be 

 run away with, by one larger and stronger than 

 his own. The mahouts, who are accustomed to 

 the business, are extremely expert, and rarely fail 

 to throw the knot over in the most effectual man- 

 ner, causing it to light fairly round the brows and 

 behind the ears of the Elephant, which instinc- 

 tively curls up its trunk, whereby the lower part 

 of the knot slips under it, and completely en- 

 circles the neck. The Elephant is impeded, and 

 time is thus given for the second hunter to come 

 up on the ether side and fasten his rope, which, 

 being better tightened, impairs the power of 

 breathing, or stops respiration so as to cause the 



