148 Anecdotal Natural History. 



forest. This was done, and she led them to a spot 

 where a fine male elephant was found chained to 

 a tree. In fact, she had acted the part or Delilah 

 towards Samson. 



THE African elephant (Elephas Africanus) is spread 

 over a large tract of country, extending from Abys- 

 sinia to the borders of Cape Colony. Like the Asiatic 

 species, it is an inhabitant of the thick forests, seldom 

 venturing into the open country. 



This elephant is also much sought after, although 

 from very different motives to those which influence 

 the hunter of the Asiatic animal. 



The natives of Africa are either not aware of the 

 services rendered by the elephant when captured and 

 carefully trained, or mingled apathy and fear prevent 

 them from availing themselves of their opportunities. 

 Just the same is the case with the Chetah, or Hunting 

 Cat, which in Asia is carefully trained for purposes of 

 the chase, while in Africa it is allowed to remain in 

 freedom. Formerly, however, the African elephant 

 was trained for purposes both of war and peace, just as 

 is now the case in India. 



The ivory of the tusks forms the principal incentive 

 to the efforts of the hunters engaged in the chase of 

 this animal, being of very fine quality and considerable 

 value. An ordinary pair of tusks, weighing, perhaps, 

 rather over a hundredweight, will fetch thirty-five or 

 forty pounds, although the price varies slightly accord- 

 ing to the condition of the market. 



The flesh, too, is by no means an unimportant 

 article of diet, especially among the natives, to whom 

 the slaughter of an elephant is an occasion of great 

 rejoicing. Some parts, such as the foot, are justly 

 considered as especial dainties, but the greater portion 

 of the flesh is stated by many travellers to be little 



