150 The Life of an Elephant 



that immediate concealment which is the first 

 instinct of the wounded. The object of this 

 concealment is no doubt to secure refuge from 

 the attacks of flies, which if successful are 

 certain to prevent rapid healing, and in many 

 cases result in a lingering death. Another reason 

 for hiding is found in the necessity of avoiding 

 the presence of other forest tribes, who all 

 resent rather than pity the distress of the lame 

 and suffering, probably because such unfortunates 

 become a source of danger to the community 

 by attracting the attacks of the great or small 

 carnivora. Finally, it is only in complete rest 

 that bones can reunite and lacerated muscles 

 heal, while the pain of the wound and the fever 

 which follows destroy the appetite which is the 

 sole incentive that drives animals to roam. 



Instances have been observed of the disappear- 

 ance of wounded tigers in spite of days devoted 

 to skilful tracking ; yet after the search had 

 been abandoned the animal has been known, 

 even seen, to leave some dense cover which had 

 been specially watched, and at once to proceed 

 on a lengthy march to some more retired and 



