THE SUDD 271 



had seen that sight! Yet even for him the impression 

 must needs be transfixed on memory instantaneously. Not 

 a moment is allowed for second thoughts or contemplation. 



Meanwhile on the opposite (eastern) bank, yet another 

 great herd of elephants was reported close alongside, amongst 

 heavy canes. I missed part of this spectacle since to try 

 to attend to two matters simultaneously spoils both but 

 crossed the deck in time to memorise a sight I shall never 



B. "SOMNOLENT." BULL ELEPHANT IN THE SUDD. 



forget. The deep jungle was amove with pleistocene monsters. 

 Down narrow glades it was but glimpses that they vouchsafed ; 

 but specially I remember one great bull who, as he turned 

 to go, halted, head erect, to survey for brief moments what 

 manner of modern thing it was that dared disturb his pre- 

 historic repose. 



Clearly at this point a transverse belt of solid soil crosses 

 the regions of Sudd. Within a couple of miles, where the banks 

 were solid, we had seen sixty or eighty elephants, probably 

 more. On our return-voyage we passed this spot in the dark, 

 but by their trumpetings and snorts we knew the elephants 

 were there. 



