50 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
Fetters made of plaited cane are more often employed by the 
Karens. The fetter is a simple hoop of plaited cane {see Fig. 15) ; 
when in position, it is 
lashed between the legs 
with a rope or thong. 
Special fetters are 
sometimes used, such 
as the soolays ; these 
consist of three pieces 
of iron, jointed and 
fitted with spikes on the 
inside ; the hind-fetter 
consists of two pieces of 
iron jointed and spiked ; 
they are only used 
on unruly beasts, or 
when there is a chance 
Fig. 15. — Fetter for fore-legs, made of cane or 
strong creepers, used by the Karens. 
of animals stampeding 
through fear, or on those given to bolting [see Figs. 23 and 24). 
Tethering chains are of variable lengths and thickness ; they are 
usually fitted with a stout iron ring at one end (Fig. 16). 
Tethering. — Elephants are 
often secured by one fore-limb 
only ; both fetters are passed 
through the ring of the tethering 
chain, after which they are applied 
to one of the fore-legs ; this 
method allows the animal plenty 
of freedom. Where space does not 
permit, or when other elephants 
are near by, the hind-fetters are 
put on in a similar manner to the 
fore, and the tethering chain 
secured to a post or tree behind. 
When musth is anticipated, 
extra precautions are taken ; the 
fore-fetters are applied, one to 
each limb, and a tethering chain 
runs from each to a tree or post : 
so with the hind-legs ; and in 
animals known to be vicious when musth, for extra security they 
often have their fore-legs brought close together, and a long 
rope is then passed round the limbs above the fetters in a figure 
of 8, and secured between the limbs. Sometimes only one hind-leg 
Fig. 16. — Fettering chain, about 12 ft. 
long, used for one hind-leg only. 
