824 THE ELEPHANT. 



and, if be is espied, make a considerable detour, 

 and try to get to leeward of him. When the wea- 

 ther is hot, the elephant does not run far before 

 again halting; even when wounded repeatedly, he 

 will only run a short distance at a time. I have 

 killed elephants hours after they have been first 

 wounded. 



Use a heavy rifle with a large bullet ; such as are 

 conical and steel-pointed are preferable to all others. 



Never attack an elephant in an open and ex- 

 posed situation, unless you delight in deliberately 

 risking your own life. 



As almost everything depends on the first shot, 

 get as close as the locality admits of to the animal, 

 twenty-five to thirty yards is my own distance, 

 but get nearer if it be practicable. 



As regards the African elephant, at least, the 

 shoulder, or immediately behind it, in the region of 

 the heart, is, in my opinion, the best point at which 

 to aim. Never fire at the forehead unless the beast 

 charges; for, though a well-directed shot there will 

 probably have the effect of causing him to swerve 

 from his course, it will not once in twenty times 

 (for the reasons given in the first chapter) prove fatal. 



Avoid cows with calves, also bulls accompanying 

 them, as these are usually very savage. 



When an elephant is seen cocking his ears and 

 erecting his trunk, it is best to give him a wide 

 berth for a while, as he is then more than usually 

 dangerous to approach. 



In following the spoor of a wounded elephant 

 and the remark equally applies to the lion, the 



