! 14 THE ELEPHANT OF INDIA. 
clasps for the hind legs are made with a joint 
in the middle, and studded in the inside with 
short nails, which inflict much pain when the 
animal begins to struggle, and ultimately oblige 
him to desist. In case of the men being dis- 
covered during the operation of binding, the tame 
Elephants will attack and restrain the wild animal 
until they escape ; and instances are even told of 
their having suffered death in defence of their 
keeper. If the binding is successful, the animal 
is left to himself during the first day, and, on 
discovering his position, vents his anger and dis- 
appointment in struggles and incessant roaring, 
refusing all sustenance or kindness. Thirst and 
exhaustion, however, begin to tame him, and he 
gradually receives water, and the same tame 
animals which captured him, with their keepers, 
by degrees win upon him by pampering his 
appetite, and doing him various acts of kind- 
ness. Before being liberated, large ropes are 
fastened round his body. When still trouble- 
some, — and they sometimes make furious attempts 
to escape, — the leading Elephant proceeds as 
quickly as possible, while others goad him behind, 
and the mahouts spur them on.* 
Another method of catching Elephants is men- 
tioned by Colonel Williamson as practised in 
Nepaul and the frontier countries — a kind of 
* Oriental Field Sports. 
