120 
MAMMALIA. 
[Chap. III. 
the position he had at first taken up on emerging from 
the forest. Here in a little while he was joined by five 
others, with which he again proceeded as cautiously, but 
less slowly than before, to within a few yards of the 
tank, and then posted his patrols. He then re-entered 
the forest and collected around him the whole herd, 
which must have amounted to between 80 and 100 
individuals, — led them across the open ground with the 
most extraordinary composure and quietness, till he 
joined the advanced guard, when he left them for a 
moment and repeated his former reconnoissance at the 
edge of the tank. After which, having apparently 
satisfied himself that all was safe, he returned and 
obviously gave the order to advance, for in a moment 
the whole herd rushed into the water with a degree of 
unreserved confidence, so opposite to the caution and 
timidity which had marked their previous movements, 
that nothing will ever persuade me that there was not 
rational and preconcerted co-operation throughout the 
whole party, and a degree of responsible authority exer- 
cised by the patriarch leader. 
" When the poor animals had gained possession of the 
tank (the leader being the last to enter), they seemed 
to abandon themselves to enjoyment without restraint 
or apprehension of danger. Such a mass of animal life 
I had never before seen huddled together in so narrow 
a space. It seemed to me as though they would have 
nearly drunk the tank dry. I watched them with great 
interest until they had satisfied themselves as well in 
bathing as in drinking, when I tried how small a noise 
would apprise them of the proximity of unwelcome 
neighbours. I had but to break a little twig, and the 
solid mass instantly took to flight like a herd of fright- 
