290 Eleplicmt-hunt’mg. 
to defend themselves from any sudden attack of the beasts of 
prey which infest the forests. The elephants are by this time 
reduced to great extremities by tliirst, as guards have for some 
days previous been stationed at all the lakes and ponds of 
water to frighten them away ; and now they find themselves 
roused from tiieir haunts in all directions by loud noises and 
the glare of tordies. One quarter alone, the enclosure I have 
described, remains undisturbed, and here they are presented 
both with a peaceful retreat and plenty of water. To this 
spot therefore they all repair, and are frequently compelled to 
hasten their steps by the approaching noises which continually 
assail them from the rear. On coming to the entrance of the 
paths leading to the enclosure, their natural sagacity enables 
them to perceive the altered appearance of the place : the 
fences and narrow paths, where so little room is left for their 
natural exertion, makes them suspect that danger is at hand 
and a snare laid for them; and they begin to shew every symp- 
tom of dread and consternation. No time however is left them 
for deliberation, nor any opportunity of retreat ; from the 
right and the left, as well as from behind, the noise and cla- 
mour of enemies immediately press upon them. 
Urged on in this manner, they at length enter the paths, and 
push forward till they reach the large space of the enclosure. 
As soon as they are thus secured, tame elephants are sent in 
after them, and all the avenues shut, except tliose narrow 
paths by which the natives are to approach them. The 
hunters now advance by these in all directions, and use every 
means to separate the elephants and drive them singly into the 
smaller compartments which are contained within the large en- 
closure. On this being effected, the only thing that remains 
8 
