Chap. III.] 



THE ELEPHANT. 



135 



ordinary ability ; but when danger and apprehension call 

 for the exertion of its powers, those who have witnessed 

 their display are seldom inclined to undervalue its sa- 

 gacity. 



Mr. Cripps has related to me an instance in which a 

 recently captured elephant was either rendered senseless 

 from fear, or, as the native attendants asserted, feigned 

 death in order to regain its freedom. It was led from 

 the corral as usual between two tame ones, and had al- 

 ready proceeded far towards its destination; when 

 night closing in, and the torches being lighted, it re- 

 fused to go on, and finally sank to the ground, appar- 

 ently lifeless. Mr. Cripps ordered the fastenings to be 

 removed from its legs, and w T hen all attempts to raise it 

 had failed, so convinced was he that it was dead, that he 

 ordered the ropes to be taken off and the carcase aband- 

 oned. While this was being done he and a gentleman 

 by whom he was accompanied leaned against the body 

 to rest. They had scarcely taken their departure and 

 proceeded a few yards, when, to their astonishment, the 

 elephant rose with the utmost alacrity, and fled towards 

 the jungle, screaming at the top of its voice, its cries 

 being audible long after it had disappeared in the shades 

 of the forest. 



K 4 



