Chap. VI.] 
THE ELEPHANT. 
191 
in a limb of such clumsy dimensions and protected by so 
thick a covering. The noosers could always force them 
to lift it from the ground by the gentlest touch of a leaf 
or twig, apparently applied so as to tickle ; but the im- 
position of the rope was instantaneously perceived, and 
if it could not be reached by the trunk the other foot 
was applied to feel its position, and if possible remove 
it before the noose could be drawn tight. 
One practice was incessant with almost the entire 
herd : in the interval between their struggles they beat 
the ground with their fore feet, and taking up the dry 
earth in a coil of the trunk, they flung it dexterously over 
every part of their body. Even when lying down, the 
sand within reach was thus collected and scattered over 
their limbs : then inserting the extremity of the 
trunk in their mouths, they withdrew a quantity of 
water, which, they discharged over their backs, repeat- 
ing the operation again and again, till the dust was 
thoroughly saturated. I was astonished at the quantity 
of water thus applied, which was sufficient when the 
elephant, as was generally the case, had worked the spot 
where he lay into a hollow, to convert its surface into 
a coating of mud. Seeing that the herd had been 
now twenty-four hours without access to water of any 
kind, surrounded by watch-fires, and exhausted by 
struggling and terror, the supply of moisture an ele- 
phant is capable of containing in the receptacle 
attached to his stomach must be very consider- 
able. 
The conduct of the tame ones during all these pro- 
ceedings was truly wonderful. They displayed the most 
perfect conception of every movement, both of the object 
to be attained, and of the means to accomplish it. 
