46 
WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WA VS 
CHAP. 
harmless, would, when “must,” destroy their own 
attendant and wreak the direst mischief. At such a 
crisis the mahout must always be held responsible 
for accidents, as the animal, if properly watched and 
restrained, would be incapable of active movements, 
and would of course be comparatively harmless. 
Upon many occasions, through the neglect of the 
attendant, an elephant has been left unchained, or 
perhaps secured with an old chain that has been 
nearly worn through a link ; the escape of the ani¬ 
mal under such circumstances has led to frightful 
casualties, usually commencing with the destruction 
of the mahout, who may have attempted a recapture. 
The approach of the “must” period is immediately 
perceived by a peculiar exudation of an oily nature 
from a small duct upon either temple ; this some¬ 
what resembles coal-tar in consistence, and it occupies 
an area of about four inches square upon the surface 
of the skin. There is a decided odour in this 
secretion somewhat similar to the same exudation 
from the neck of the male camel. 
I have known male elephants which were remark¬ 
ably docile throughout all seasons, but even these 
had to be specially regarded during the period of 
“must,” as there was no means of foretelling a sudden 
and unexpected outbreak of temper. Many males 
are at all times fretful, and these expend their ill- 
nature in various ways ; if chained, they kick up the 
earth, and scatter the dust in all directions ; they are 
never quiet for one moment throughout the day, but 
continue to swing their heads to and fro, and prick 
