ELEPHANTS. 269 



infantry. They drew themselves up in single file, occupying the 

 entire width of the water (which at that point was three hundred 

 yards broad). I estimated their numbers at from a hundred to a 

 hundred and fifty. The moon was just then nearly at its zenith, 

 and shed a glorious and dazzling light on the huge creatures 

 below. I felt no inclination to disturb so striking a picture, and, 

 indeed, if I had been so disposed it would httle have availed me, 

 as the valley in the direction occupied by the elephants was 

 totally destitute of cover. So all I could do, and did, was to look 

 on, sigh, and admire." 



Sir "W. 0. Harris also speaks most glowingly of the magnificent 

 sight presented by a herd of these noble animals in their true 

 home and in a state of liberty in the wilds of Africa. " A grand 

 and magnificent panorama was before us which beggars all 

 description. The whole face of the landscape was actually 

 covered with wild elephants. There could not have been fewer 

 than three hundred within the scope of our vision. Every height 

 and green knoll was dotted over with groups of them, whilst the 

 bottom of the glen exhibited a dense and sable living mass — their 

 colossal forms being at one moment partially concealed by the 

 trees, which they were disfiguring with giant strength, and at 

 others seen majestically emerging into the open glades, bearing in 

 their trunks the branches of trees with which they indolently 

 protected themselves from the flies. The background was filled 

 by a limited peep of the blue mountainous range, which here 

 assumed a remarkable precipitous character and completed a 

 picture at once soul-stirring and sublime." 



These herds are generally led by one animal, and, on the 

 authority of Mr. Sanderson, this animal is always a female, in 

 India at any rate, and never a male as generally stated. When 

 travelhng from one district to another they march in strict Indian 

 file. During the day the herds are generally quiescent, except so 

 far as the perpetual fidgeting of the individual members, in the 

 way peculiar to the animal, is concerned ; for, though a heavy and 

 sedate beast, the elephant is never entirely at rest while awake, 

 neither when wild or in captivity. It will move its head round, 

 flap its ears, the tail is switched, or the feet will be swung back- 



