THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
270 
in Ceylon is considerably different from that practised on 
the continent of India, some account of it may not be 
without entertainment to my readers. 
For a month or two previous to the elephant-hunt, the 
natives are employed in enclosing a large space of ground 
in the midst of a tope of Cocoa-trees, and adjoining, or 
perhaps encompassing a tank or pond of water. Hie en- 
closure consists of large, strong posts, usually of cocoa- 
wood, driven firmly into the ground, and fastened and 
connected together by strong ropes and the branches of the 
contiguous trees interwoven. The inclosure is covered with 
bushes and boughs, so as to prevent the posts or the ropes 
from being seen. The way leading into this inclosed space 
is by long, narrow, and circuitous paths fenced on each 
side in the manner already described, and approaching in 
every different direction. Besides these paths, which are 
sufficiently large to admit the elephant, there are various 
other very narrow ones to allow the hunters to advance 
towards him and retreat occasionally without his being able 
to pursue them. Within the large enclosure are several 
smaller compartments formed with paths leading into them; 
and one straight path is prepared at the further end to 
lead out the elephant when he is secured. The whole has 
the appearance of one large labyrinth; and its construction 
displays a very considerable degree of ingenuity. 
As soon as all this work, which occupies some time, is 
finished, the Moodeliers and other principal men among 
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