THE ELEPHANT OF INDIA. 
115 
lassoing, or throwing a slip-knot over the head 
of the animal to be captured. Two Elephants 
are employed, selected for their size and speed, 
males being preferred. Each mahout is provided 
with a slip-knot of very strong rope, about two 
inches in circumference, and ten or twelve yards 
in length, exclusive of what is passed round the 
Elephant’s body. At the end of the rope, which 
lies coiled on the Elephant’s head, is a sliding 
noose, that works freely, and has affixed to it a 
strong cord, for the purpose of relaxing its hold 
as occasion may require. When the herd is dis- 
covered, the director of the hunt singles out 
the one to be pursued ; and in this he is regulated 
by the size of his Elephants, for he might be 
run away with, by one larger and stronger than 
his own. The mahouts, who are accustomed to 
the business, are extremely expert, and rarely fail 
to throw the knot over in the most effectual man- 
ner, causing it to light fairly round the brows and 
behind the ears of the Elephant, which instinc- 
tively curls up its trunk, whereby the lower part 
of the knot slips under it, and completely en- 
circles the neck. The Elephant is impeded, and 
time is thus given for the second hunter to come 
up on the other side and fasten his rope, which, 
being better tightened, impairs the power of 
breathing, or stops respiration so as to cause the 
