OUR BACKYARD CIRCUS 127 



boys became excited. We had reached the camp 

 after a hard day when the guides reported that a 

 herd of elephants had kept just ahead of them all 

 day. While we were eating Boculy went out to recon- 

 noitre. Ten minutes later he rushed back with word 

 that the herd was right near camp. Tired as we 

 were, we went right after them. It was ideal photo- 

 graphic country because the bushes were small and 

 far apart. 



In fifteen minutes we saw the elephants, fifteen of 

 them, feeding about and taking things easy. The 

 light was fine. I set up the cameras, intending to get 

 closer after I was all ready. But when the elephants 

 started our way I decided to remain where I was. 

 First came a yoimg female, and behind her in single 

 file the others, mostly half grown, and one toto about 

 nine months old. 



The leading animal saw us when she was about 

 sixty yards away. She stopped and the others 

 crowded behind her. I think she was the only one 

 that really saw us. She stuck out her ears and came on 

 several times in little goose steps; then backed away 

 and worked herself into a rage the way an elephant 

 usually does under such circimistances. She lashed 

 her trunk and stamped her feet. The others seemed 

 unconcerned through this performance, showing only 

 slight signs of curiosity as to what it was all about. 



Then all at once I could see her gather herself just 



