THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 181 



KILLING AN ELEPHANT AS LARGE AS JUMBO. 



THE rains finally ceased, and beautiful crops were growing, 

 which, however, were seriously threatened by elephants, large 

 herds of which went prowling at night, eating and trampling the 

 crisp tullaboon plants a grain somewhat resembling corn. 

 Although weak and feverish, like a true hunter, Baker was 

 anxious to secure some of the big game, the meat of which he 

 knew would be very acceptable to the half-famished natives. 

 So, taking his servant, they went about half-a-mile from the 

 village, and dug a hole in which to hide, and at night the watch 

 began. Baker reports the result as follows : 



" There was no sound throughout the night. I was well 

 wrapped up in a Scotch plaid, but an attack of ague came on, and 

 I shivered as though in Lapland. I had several rifles in the 

 grave ; among others the * Baby,' that carried a half-pound 

 explosive shell. At about four, A. M., I heard the distant trum- 

 pet of an elephant, and I immediately ordered Richarn to watch, 

 and to report to me their arrival. It was extremely dark, but 

 Richarn presently sank slowly down, and whispered, Here they 

 are ! ' 



" Taking the * Baby,' I quietly rose, and listening attentively, 

 I could distinctly hear the elephants tearing off the heads of the 

 tullaboon, and crunching the crisp grain. I could distinguish 

 the dark forms of the herd about thirty paces from me, but much 

 too indistinct for a shot. I stood with my elbows resting on the 

 edge of the hole, and the heavy rifle balanced, waiting for an 

 opportunity. I had a paper sight arranged for night shooting, 

 and several times tried to get the line of an elephant's shoulder, 

 but to no purpose. While waiting, I suddenly heard a trumpet 

 close to my left, and quickly perceived an elephant walking 

 toward my grave. I waited, with the rifle to my shoulder, until 

 he was within about twelve paces; I then whistled, and he 

 stopped and turned, exposing his side. Taking the line of the 

 foreleg, I fired at the shoulder. The tremendous flash and smoke 

 of ten drachms of powder completely blinded me, and the sudden 

 reaction of darkness increased the obscurity." 



