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GORDON GUMMING, 



47 



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them. The difference in weight between these tusks 

 was the result of one being considerably worn at the 

 point, indicative that it was the implement used in 

 unearthing favourite edible roots and tubers. 



The father of Kama, whom I made the acquaint- 

 ance of at Machapin's Kraal, on the Notawani River, 

 Tropical South Africa — whither he had been expelled 

 by his son — told me of larger tusks than those I have 

 mentioned, and the old man was a most artful and 

 knowing trader. As he had nothing to gain by tell- 

 ing me an untruth, I am inclined to think that he did 

 not lie. 



As the Portuguese have had settlements for about 

 three hundred years on the south-east coast of Africa, 

 and, at one period, had all the ivory trade in their 

 hands, I am disposed to believe the report that, at one 

 time, there was a tusk of 200 lbs. in a museum in 

 Lisbon, for I have seen it alluded to in standard works 

 printed seventy or eighty years ago, but it has pro- 

 bably long since been sold, for its unusual size would 

 make it of great value. 



I would say here that I do not !ike a doubt of the 

 veracity of Gordon Gumming to be even whispered. 

 I am aware that he had many faults, but telling un- 

 truths, I think, was not among them. Why I speak 

 so positively I will state. Fourtee^i years ago I hunted 

 through what was his favourite tract of country, and 

 at Koorooman, Sechelles, and Soochong, made the 

 acquaintance of many of his attendants, who, without 

 exception, confirmed all of his marvellous stories ; 

 even the chiefs I have cross-questioned on this sub- 

 ject, and they endorsed their people's assertions. I 

 have never even heard one of the missionaries, much 

 as they disliked the man, doubt Gordon Cumming's 

 word, and he told me that he once possessed a tusk 

 that scaled 208 lbs. 



It is a great mistake to think that the largest 

 elephants produce the heaviest tusks, for such is not 



