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- 



