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 

 bo be attained, and of the means to accomplish it. 



