Processional Duties 167 



as if his elephant ever required more restraint 

 than he could bring to bear. And so it was 

 that on such occasions, the distasteful work 

 over, he would hurriedly remove the trappings 

 of State, and they two would resort to some 

 quiet pool in the river, and most thoroughly 

 remove, not only the dust of the road, but 

 also every sign of the adornment prescribed. 

 During such operation, Kareem would con- 

 verse with his " brother " freely, expressing his 

 opinion on the folly of such shows, and com- 

 paring the present with the old days in the 

 forest, when they were one in pleasure and 

 in danger ; and moreover, enjoyed plentiful 

 rations, for the man good venison, and for the 

 elephant, all that the forest could yield of 

 succulent fodder. 



In every elephant's life comes a time when he 

 is possessed of an evil spirit, when the world 

 seems black before him, when good nature 

 is replaced by a petulant and savage disposition. 

 In the wild state this indisposition rapidly 

 passes away : the animal feeds on astringent 

 herbs and roots, or eats earth in large quantities 



