50 HAUNTS AND HABITS OF THE ELEPHANT 
herds of elephant roam about here, the largest one numbering 
as many as 800. 
These herds present a very fine sight as they travel across 
from Mount Elgon to the Elgeyo Forest, which they do as 
soon as the heavy rains start — generally in April and May — 
spending a week or so browsing along the Nzioa River, and 
more especially in the swamps above this river. The bulls 
are very much in the minority and are not of any great size. 
Bigger bulls, however, are often met wandering about the 
country by themselves, or more often following up a herd 
of cows. 
There is one herd of ten ‘ outcast ’ bulls in this region, 
very old and very cunning, who, having been chased out of 
the various herds by the younger bulls, live quite by themselves 
and never leave the forest. They have regular haunts which 
they visit at certain seasons of the year for different kinds 
of vegetation, which at that time happen to be more than 
usually succulent. For instance, these elephants always visit 
a certain part of the Elgeyo Forest in the middle of the dry 
season to feed on a particular kind of fibre plant of which they 
are very fond. 
One of the favourite foods of the elephant is the thorn 
tree (especially when in bloom), which they break down and 
strip of its bark. The peculiar smell emitted from this stripped 
bark is one of the indications as to how recently a herd 
has passed ; though, of course, the spoor is the great guide. 
One cannot but admire the directness of purpose of the 
elephant, which is demonstrated by the straight line in which 
the herds always travel. Whether it be to a salt pan or 
particular patch of thorn bush days away, there is no winding 
track towards it, but one direct line. 
The average pace of an elephant trekking is about five to 
six miles an hour, but if chased he very soon tires and a pony 
can easily outrun him. Some people are rather apt to think 
that he can gallop, but this is hardly correct. It is curious 
to note how little noise the elephant makes when moving 
through the thickest forest. One would expect to hear a 
crashing and breaking of trees, but as a matter of fact he goes 
very carefully. 
