HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 187 



are they less fearful of man. The savage inhabi- 

 tants of this dreary country, instead of attempting 

 to subdue this powerful animal, and render it sub- 

 servient to their necessities, seem desirous only of 

 avoiding its fury. 



Sparrman says, that in the country near the 

 Cape, they are sometimes seen in large herds, 

 consisting of many hundreds ; and he thinks it 

 probable, that in the more remote and unfrequented 

 parts of that vast country, they are still more 

 numerous. 



They are frequently hunted by the colonists at 

 the Cape, who are very expert in shooting them, 

 and make great advantage of their teeth. The 

 largest teeth weigh an hundred and fifty Dutch 

 pounds, and are sold to the governor for as many 

 guilders; so that a man may earn three hundred 

 guilders at one shot. It is not therefore to be 

 wondered at, that a traffic so lucrative should tempt 

 the hunter to run great risks. In approaching this 

 animal, great care must be taken to steal upon him 

 unperceived. If the Elephant discover his enemy 

 near, he rushes out, and endeavours to kill him. 

 One of these hunters being out upon a plain, under 

 the shelter of a few scattered thorn trees, thought he 

 could be able to advance near enough to shoot an 

 Elephant that was at a little distance from him ; but 

 he was discovered, pursued, and overtaken by the 

 animal, which laid hold of him with his trunk, and 

 beat him instantly to death. 



The height of the Elephant at the Cape is from 

 twelve to fifteen feet. The female is less than the 

 male, and her tusks do not grow to such a size. 



In proportion to the size of the Elephant his eyes 

 are very small ; but they are lively, brilliant, and 



