cso 
THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
the Cinglese set about collecting the peasants from every 
quarter ; and a vast number of men, women, and children, 
furnished with drums and other noisy instruments are 
speedily assembled. The woods are immediately beset on 
all sides by this multitude ; when day light fails them they 
find their way through the thicks by torchlight, and they 
are furnished with fire arms 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 thirst, as guards have been for some days previous 
stationed at all the lakes and ponds of water to frighten 
them away; and now they find themselves roused from 
their haunts in all directions by loud noises and the glare 
of torches. 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 aproaching noises which con- 
tinually assail them from the rear. On coming to the en- 
trance 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 symptom of dread and consternation. No 
time however is left them for deliberation, nor any oppor- 
tunity of retreat ; from the right and the left, as well 
6 
