GREAT ELEPHANT. 217 
the branches. It has been affirmed that they run 
as swiftly as a horse can gallop ; but Mr. Pennant 
assures us, that what has been said on this sub- 
ject is a mistake; and that a nimble Indian can 
easily outstrip them. 
The contrivances for taking Elephants are va- 
rious. The Ceylonese sometimes surround the 
woods Avith numerous bands, and drive with light- 
ed torches, and all manner of noises^ the Ele- 
phants which inhabit them^, till they are at length 
entrapped into a particular spot surrounded with 
strong pallisades, so as to prev'^ent all escape. At 
other times a kind of decoy or female Elephant is 
sent out in order to induce some of the males to 
pursue her^ who are by this means secured. When 
a wild Elephant is taken^ it still remains to reduce 
it to a quiet state; and to tame it^ in order to be 
made useful : this is effected by throwing ropes 
round the legs and body, which are well secured ; 
and two tame Elephants, properly instructed, are 
placed on each side. The captive animal finds 
himself gradually so fatigued by his ineffectual 
struggles, and so much soothed by the caresses 
occasionally given by the trunks of the tame 
Elephants, by the food from time to time pre- 
sented to him, and the water with which he is 
refreshed by pouring it over him, that in the 
space of some days he becomes completely tame, 
and is placed with the rest of the domesticated 
troop. Sometimes, in order to subdue them the 
more effectually, they are deprived of sleep for a 
considerable space. 
