IN EAST AFRICA 19 



about 1 8 inches or so in greatest basal girth. 

 are, however, known, some of which are referred to in an earlier 

 paragraph. Cow-tusks commonly weigh from 12 to 24 Ib. each, 

 although in an exceptionally fine pair the weight was 36 Ib. East 

 African ivory is of the best quality, being what is called in the trade 

 ' soft ivory,' which fetches a higher price than the ' hard ivory ' from 

 the west coast. Even in soft ivory there is, however, great variety in 

 quality, and a corresponding range in value ; ' kalasha,' or cow-tusks 





FIG. 8. Elephants photographed by Lord Uelamere on the lower slopes of Mount Marsabit, 

 in the Rendili district, to the S. E. of Lake Rudolf. 



of from about 12 Ib. to 16 Ib., being the most valuable, on account 

 of its suitability for billiard-balls. 



" In this part of the country the tusks are sometimes used for 

 digging up roots, by which a piece may be broken off the end ; but 

 when both are entire, one, generally the right, is almost always more 

 worn than its fellow. 



" Tuskless elephants arc almost unknown in this part of Africa, 

 and I myself have never seen one. Individuals with only one tusk 

 are, however, occasionally found ; but I believe the tradition that a 

 single tusk is generally of abnormal si7.e to be without foundation. 



