118 
ELEPHANT. 
form an oblong. The people from behind now be- 
gin shouting, and making a noise with their rattles, 
tomtoms , &c. to cause the elephants to advance ; 
and as soon as they are got within the new circle 
the people close up, take their proper stations, and 
pass the remaining part of the day and night as 
before. In the morning the same process is re- 
peated ; and in this manner the herd advances slowly, 
in that direction where they find themselves least 
incommoded by the noise and clamour of the 
hunters, feeding as they go along upon the branches 
of trees, leaves of bamboos, &c. which come in their 
way. If they suspected any snare, they could easily 
break through the circle ; but this inoffensive ani- 
mal, going merely in quest of food, and not seeing 
any of the people who surround him, and who are 
concealed by the thick jungle, advances without 
suspicion, and appears only to avoid being pestered 
by their noise and din. As fire is the thing ele- 
phants seem most afraid of in their wild state, and 
will seldom venture near it, the hunters always have 
a number of fires lighted, and particularly at night, 
to prevent the elephants coming too near, as well 
as to cook their victuals and keep them warm. 
The sentinels supply these fires w ith fuel, especially 
green bamboos, which are generally at hand, and 
which, by the crackling and loud report they make, 
together with the noise of the watchmen, deter the 
elephants from coming near ; so that the herd com- 
monly remains at a distance near the centre of the 
circle. Should they at any time advance, the alarm 
