84 
WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS 
CHAP. 
dent of the most alarming kind must assuredly 
occur. The howdah ought to be lashed upon the 
elephant by six folds of the strong cotton rope 
described, tightened most carefully before starting. 
It should be borne in mind that much personal atten¬ 
tion is necessary during this operation, as the natives 
are most careless. Two or three men ought to sit in 
the howdah during the process of lacing, so as to 
press it down tightly upon the pad, otherwise it will 
become loose during the march, and probably lean 
over to one side, which is uncomfortable to both man 
and beast. A large hide of the sambur deer, well 
cured and greased so as to be soft and pliable, should 
invariably protect the belly of the elephant, and the 
flanks under the fore legs, from the friction of the 
girthing rope. The breastplate and crupper also 
require attention. These ought to be of the same 
quality of cotton rope as used for the girths, but that 
portion of the crupper which passes beneath the tail 
should pass through an iron tube bent specially to 
fit, like the letter V elongated, LJ. This is a great 
safeguard against galling, and I believe it was first 
suggested by Mr. G. P. Sanderson. 
A fine male elephant, well accoutred with his 
howdah thoroughly secured, and a good mahout, is 
a splendid mount, and the rider has the satisfaction 
of feeling that his animal is well up to his weight. 
I do not know a more agreeable sensation than the 
start in the early morning upon a thoroughly depend¬ 
able elephant, with all the belongings in first-rate 
order, and a mahout who takes a real interest in his 
