174 THE ELEPHANT. 



Many perish in this manner. Besides this, during 

 the hunting season the earth is so dry from the sun, 

 that there are numerous cracks, and it is then very 

 dangerous for riding on horseback. 



Nevertheless, mention has been made of a man 

 who, regardless of the perils of this sport, had arrived 

 at such perfection, that he acted without the aid of 

 any one else. Let him speak for himself. 



" I rub my body with elephant grease, and conceal 

 myself in the neighbourhood of the places which 

 they frequent. I watch them attentively, and when 

 I see one separated from his companions, I approach 

 him cautiously. The odour which I give out pre- 

 vents the animal from paying any attention to me. 

 I am armed with a sharp-edged sword, and with a 

 vigorous arm I strike the animal on the hind-leg, 

 and as quick as a gazelle I disappear. The blood 

 flows from his wound, and the furious animal utters 

 terrible cries, which make his affrighted companions 

 fly. Irritated by the pain, he strikes the earth with 

 his wounded foot, completes the cut, and falls, over- 

 powered by his own mass, incapable of rising. The 

 elephant is alone, the others having taken their depar- 

 ture ; I can then approach him without fear, knowing 

 that he will not be succoured ; and, provided that I 

 avoid placing myself within reach of his trunk, it is 

 an easy matter to finish him." 



