INDIAN OB DOMESTIC BUFFALO. 247 



hunted with elephants in the same manner as the 

 tiger, but with less danger. They often, however, 

 charge and gore the elephant, though generally from 

 the number and noise of the pursuers, fly until close- 

 ly pressed or enraged by wounds. 



In the combats with the tiger, the buffalo is ge- 

 nerally the victor. Those chosen for this purpose 

 are males of the domestic breed, trained to the spi- 

 rit (as it is termed), and selected for their vigour, 

 size, and spirit. The buffalo is remarkable for his 

 courage, and the smallest provocation irritates him ; 

 he will even alone sometimes attack a group of ele- 

 phants. For the spectacle an area of a round or 

 oval form is erected of sufficient height to allow the 

 spectators to look on in safety. Persons unac- 

 quainted with the true character of the tiger would 

 expect to see him attack the buffalo as scon as he 

 might enter the area ; but no ! as soon as the buffalo 

 makes his appearance, the tiger, which, till then, 

 does not perhaps betray any marked apprehension, 

 all at once sinks into the most contemptible despon- 

 dency. He sneaks under the pallisade, crouching 

 and turning on his back to avoid the buffalo's charge, 

 he tries every device his situation will admit, and 

 often suffers himself to be gored, before he can be 

 induced to stand on the defensive. The buffalo on 

 entering the area smells the tiger, and becomes in- 

 stantly agitated with eagerness, his eyes sparkle with 

 fury as they quest around for the skulking enemy, 

 which is generally attacked the moment it is distin- 



