ELEPHANT HUNTING. 641 
are composed of the impracticable wait-a-bit thorns, and here 
they remain drawn up in a compact herd during the heat of 
the day. In remote districts, however, and in cool weather, 
I have known herds to continue pasturing throughout the 
whole day. 
The appearance of the wild elephant is inconceivably 
majestic and imposing. LIlis gigantic height and colossal 
bulk, so greatly surpassing all other quadrupeds, combined 
with his sagacious disposition and peculiar habits, impart to 
him an interest in the eyes of the hunter which no other 
animal can call forth. The pace of the elephant, when 
undisturbed, is a bold, free, sweeping step; and from the 
peculiar spongy formation of his foot, his tread is extremely 
light and inaudible, and all his movements are attended 
with a peculiar gentleness and grace. This, however, only 
applies to the elephant when roaming undisturbed in his 
jungle; for, when roused by the hunter, he proves the most 
dangerous enemy, and far more difficult to conquer than any 
other beast of the chase. 
Harris has given a most graphic description of the imposing 
scene of his first introduction to the South African Elephants. 
Here it is in his own picturesque style. 
Early in the afternoon the Hottentots returned with the 
oxen, and we proceeded without loss of time to the eastward, 
following the course of the mountains through very high 
grass, and passing between two conical hills of singular 
appearance, which stood like sentinels on either hand ; after 
crossing six inconsiderable streams, we with some difficulty 
gained the vicinity of a remarkable abrupt opening in the 
range, which through a telescope appeared to afford a prac- 
ticable road to the northward. Both our wagons stuck fast 
in the Saut river, and were with difficulty extricated by the 
united efforts of the teams. The heat was intense, not a 
breath stirred; the heavy black clouds fast collecting bade 
us prepare for a deluge. We therefore formed the camp 
