176 
A TREATISE ON ELEPHANTS. 
(<:^5o:5]oo^) by the Burmans. It is probably analogous to the rut 
in deer. 
Causes. — It occurs both in wild and tame aninivals, and in the 
latter is more often met with in highly fed pampered beasts that 
receive insufficient exercise. It occurs most frequently in the cold 
season and may perhaps be due to ungratified sexual desire in some 
cases, but not always so, since the society of a female by no means 
always quells or even pacifies animals in musth. At other times 
an animal in musth undoubtedly seeks a mate of the opposite sex. 
Symptoms.' — Musth occurs frequently in som.e beasts, seldom in 
others, so that the intervals are variable in different animals and in 
the same manner so are the symptoms. More or less excitement is 
usual, but on the other hand some elephants become dull and morose. 
The behaviour changes, shown by disobedience to commands, trying 
to break away, or showing violence to man or destructive tendencies 
and being altogether out of sorts. The temples become puffy, due 
to swelling of the temporal glands which lie beneath the skin and 
at this stage is called by many mahouts kherr musth ; later an 
oily discharge exudes from the hole or duct over the gland which is 
then called musth by the natives. When musth is established 
there is often a partial retention of urine, the water dribbling 
away. As soon, however, as the urine is passed freely the natives 
consider the dangerous stage over, irrespective of the amount of 
discharge from the glands. 
The attack may last a few days, weeks, or months. > In some 
cases cowardly mahouts are said at a certain stage of the attc.ck to 
administer some species of pumpkin which has the effect of abating 
the excitement, etc. The effect of such treatment, however, is 
said to be very prejudicial to the health of the animal. Mr. Petley 
informs me that once musth is established it ought to come on 
every year although in no particular month, and he has known 
elephants in which owing to overwork or ill-health the usual 
occurrence of 7nusth \\^?> failed, to become useless for work. The 
only remedy is to set them free for months until musth again 
comes on, after which care should be taken to see such animals are 
treated with extra care. 
Treatment. — On the first signs being evinced, the animal should 
be speedily removed from the vicinity of habitations and very securely 
fettered (extra chains being employed). Should he escape or 
show violence before being fettered, if possible give a dose of opium 
or ganja mixed up with plantains, jaggery, or sweetened rice. It 
is as well to bring in the aid of a couple of heavy tuskers if very 
troublesome to assist in effecting one's object. Once fettered, a 
female should be tethered not far from him, but should this enrage 
