ioo The Life of an Elephant 



which might be slow to heal if neglected ; and 

 in return for such attention, he strove to carry 

 out all that was required of him. He knelt, 

 and submitted to have his 

 forehead painted with fantastic 

 coloured designs, he even per- 

 mitted that his tusks should 

 be shortened, though this was 

 a serious trial to his temper. 

 It was one day decided, as the 

 elephant was no longer to be used for timber 

 work, that his long and sharp tusks had become 

 unnecessary, and might, indeed, restrict his use- 

 fulness, and prove a danger to his companions. 

 Maula Bux was requested to lie on his side, 

 which he obediently did, his mahout then 

 measured from eye to lip, and marking the 

 same length on his tusks, pro- 

 ceeded to saw off the ends of 

 either, thus avoiding the hollow 

 and sensitive portion above the 

 cut. When this operation was com- 

 pleted, two thick brass rings, engraved 

 and embossed, were slipped over the 



