x\i 



possible, tlii9 gives tLem confidence and tliey are more leisurely 

 in their movements and do not distress themselves so much as 

 when alone. Each animal to have a rope on, passing round its 

 waist just behind the withers from which runs a short rope 5 or 

 4 feet long for mahout to hold on by when ho stands on the 

 elephant's back in deep water. After crossing a wide river graze 

 for 4 — 1 hour, if time is no object, on bamboo leaves or Dhulleo 

 (such as boughs of peepul trees). An unknown, apparently forda- 

 ble, river should be crossed by a small strong naked elephant as 

 a pioneer. If he became involved to his breast in sticky mud ha 

 could only disengage himself by rolling over from side to side, 

 and the load (if on) would be lost in the mud. A place where 

 there is a little water generally has a firmer bed than where there 

 is none. To construct a road over an otherwise impassaile iiala any- 

 thing procurable should be made into bundles 6 — 8 feet long and 

 2 feet in diameter, and handed to a well trained Koonkie who will 

 stamp them well down into the mud with her forefeet. Over these 

 two parallel lines of logs 6 feet apart should be laid crosswise,- 

 other logs close together bound firmly by strips of cane or any- 

 thing available. The thicker the logs the better, but trees as 

 small as 6 inches or less will do. If an elephant gets into a quicTc 

 sand the nearest articles to hand, even the giiddees of other elephantgf 

 should be thrown to it. If the quicksand is dry throw water to 

 loosen it. After this or any other severe exertion elephants will 

 go ofi their feed and become "soost." Give mussalas with plenty 

 or gur and they will probably drink arrack or rum (half a bottle). 

 Water is also required for washing purposes. ''\jyTien ill 

 cared for the skin of the domesticated elephant becomes harsh, 

 with the cuticle much hypertrophied. Grooming the elephant 

 consists of properly washing the surface of the body or rather 

 applying vigorous friction. The mahouts use a special kind of 

 soft stone, a lump of di-y clay, or a whisp of loose nut husk for 

 this purpose, while the animal throws water over himself with the 

 trunk. Also in keeping the feet and natural orifices clean, and 

 preparing for exposure to the sun by lubrification of the surface of 

 the body with oil and ghee. It is most essential that the latter duty 

 be properly performed and other means must be adopted when it 

 is necessary to work or march during the hotter hours, for ele- 

 phants are very liable to suffer from apoplexy, inflammation of the 



