AT THE KHEDDAHS. 7 



their mothers, while these latter turned anxiously in 

 the direction of the sound. Another and apparently 

 nearer yap settled the matter, and the anxious 

 mothers, forgetful of the danger in front and only 

 mindful of the foe behind, set off to join the herd and 

 passed through the gates, which closed with a bang. 

 A hurrah from the spectators sent the whole herd 

 flying to the far end of the second enclosure, and 

 through that into the third. This ended the first 

 day's drive. It should here be mentioned that 

 the second enclosure is cleared of underwood and 

 small trees ; only the large trees are allowed to 

 stand, and to these the elephants are secured when 

 captured. The third enclosure is completely bared 

 of trees and brushwood. Just before the drive, 

 large bamboos, with all their branches and leaves 

 on, are stuck firmly in the ground to resemble a 

 bamboo forest. The frightened elephants rush 

 eagerly into this cover, and remain concealed 

 in it while the door is being secured. Watchers 

 encircle the stockade, and there the animals remain 

 till next day, when the more exciting operation 

 of singling out and securing each member of the 

 herd begins. 



A fine camp of some thirty-two tents, pitched in 

 open ground, three miles away from the trap, af- 

 forded accommodation for the night to the shikar 

 party. After an early breakfast, we were off to the 

 kheddahs to witness the lassoing and securing of the 

 elephants. On arriving at the platform overlook- 

 ing the third or smallest enclosure, what a strange 

 sight met our gaze ! During the night the elephants 



