2 
ADVENTURES OF AN ELEPHANT HUNTER ch. 
systematic course of exercise, which keeps every 
muscle of my body supple and gives me complete 
mental control over the functions of each. It is 
to this constant care of my physical being that 
I ascribe my fitness to-day, after all the vicissi¬ 
tudes of a most strenuous and exacting life under 
a tropical sun, and to it I also assign a great 
part of my success as a hunter, for, apart from 
the temperament suitable • for such a calling, the 
muscular system must be so tuned that it will 
instantaneously respond to every message of the 
brain. Upon this co-operation, a hunter’s life 
again and again depends. After exercise a cold 
tub and a brisk rub down! What a splendid 
tonic, and what an absolute necessity in the 
tropics! Next, my boy brings me a lightly 
brewed cup of tea and some biscuits, and this 
frugal meal constitutes breakfast. 
Our camp is now all astir. My men, consist¬ 
ing of trackers, carriers, cook and private servants 
—about ten in number—are ready to start, so off 
we go into the forest with long, easy, springing 
strides, the blood tingling in our veins with the 
joy of life. To all intents and purposes, we are 
absolutely free ; there is no vexatious etiquette to 
be observed; I can burst into a hearty laugh 
without shocking the ridiculous propriety of a 
crowded street ; I do not require to wear this 
DSI 
