chap. xii. A JUNGLE TRIP. 331 



In the mean time Palliser and Wortley kept up a 

 regular volley, but no effects could be observed until 

 the herd reached and began to ascend the steep bank 

 on the opposite side. I had reloaded the four-ounce, 

 and the heavy battery now began to open a concert 

 with the general volley, as the herd scrambled up the 

 precipitous bank. Several elephants fell, but recovered 

 themselves and disappeared. At length the volley 

 ceased, and two were seen — one dead on the top of the 

 bank, and the other still struggling in the shallow water 

 at the foot. Once more a general battery opened ; and 

 he was extinguished. Five were killed ; and if noise 

 and smoke add to the fun, there was certainly plenty 

 of it. Wortley and my man Wallace now swam 

 across the river and cut off the elephants' tails. 



We returned to the horses, and moved to the ' Cave,' 

 meeting with no farther incidents that day. 



Dec. 4. — We saw nothing but deer the whole 

 of the day, and they were so wild that we could not 

 get a shot. It was therefore a blank. 



Dec. 5. — We started early, and for five miles 

 we tracked a large herd of elephants through fine open 

 country, until we were at length stopped by impene- 

 trable jungle of immense extent, forming the confines 

 of the ' Park ' on this side. We therefore reluctantly 

 left the tracks, and directed our course towards Patta- 

 palaar, about twelve miles distant. 



We had passed over a lovely country, and were 



