CHAPTER XIII. 



Conclusion. 



THUS ended a trip which exhibited the habits and 

 character of elephants in a most perfect manner. 

 From the simple experience of these three weeks' shoot- 

 ing, a novice might claim a knowledge of the elephant ; 

 and the journal of this tour must at once explain, even 

 to the most uninitiated, the exact proportion of risk 

 with which this sport is attended when followed up in 

 a sportsmanlike manner. These days will always be 

 looked back to by me with the greatest pleasure ; the 

 moments of sport lose none of their brightness by age, 

 and when the limbs become enfeebled by time, the 

 mind can still cling to scenes long past with the pleas- 

 ure of youth. 



One great addition to the enjoyment of wild sport is 

 the companionship of thorough sportsmen. A confi- 

 dence in each other is absolutely necessary ; without 

 this, I would not remain a day in the jungle. An even 

 temper, not easily disturbed by the little annoyances in- 

 separable from a trip in wild country, is also indispens- 

 able ; without this, a man would be insufferable. Our 

 party was an emblem of contentment. The day's sport 

 concluded, the evenings were most enjoyable, and will 

 never be forgotten. The well-arranged tent, the neatly- 

 spread table, the beds forming a triangle around the 

 304 



