ELEPHANTS 63 
In building the trap we took great care not to 
disturb the jungle through which the elephants 
were to be driven. Like all jungle animals, elephants 
can see at night, and there is always the danger of 
a stampede unless precautions are taken against 
arousing suspicion. The jungle leading up to the 
wings was untouched; and the wings and the trap 
could scarcely be distinguished from the dense 
growth that surrounded them. In the runway and 
in the trap the jungle was still standing without 
injury. 
When the stockade was completed, an old Sia- 
mese priest offered to perform the ceremony that 
would bring the blessing of the deity of the jungle 
upon the drive. A white cock was found and fast- 
ened in the center of the trap. The priest selected 
a hundred men and stationed them near the entrance 
with fruits and branches of trees; then, with two 
natives, he withdrew into the jungle. Presently we 
heard them shouting. They came through the un- 
dergrowth, chanting and striking the trees with 
their spears and parangs. The priest rushed 
through the runway into the trap and seized the 
cock. With his knife he severed its head. Then, 
while the natives joined in a chorus of shouts, he 
ran about the trap, sprinkling the blood. Instead 
of coming out through the gate, he crawled between 
the posts. The ceremony ended, and the natives 
were ready to begin the hunt. 
Word came from the men who were watching 
