ns such as these that
attacking the elephant is attended with most danger. During the night
they will feed in open plains and thinly-wooded districts, but as day
dawns they retire to the densest covers within reach, which nine times
in ten are composed of the impracticable wait-a-bit thorns, and here
they remain drawn up in a compact herd during the heat of the day. In
remote districts, however, and in cool weather, I have known herds to
continue pasturing throughout the whole day.

The appearance of the wild elephant is inconceivably majestic and
imposing. His gigantic height and colossal bulk, so greatly surpassing
all other quadrupeds, combined with his sagacious disposition and
peculiar habits, impart to him an interest in the eyes of the hunter
which no other animal can call forth. The pace of the elephant, when
undisturbed, is a bold, free, sweeping step; and from the peculiar
spongy formation of his foot, his tread is extremely light and
inaudible, and all his movements are attended with a peculiar gentleness
and grace. This, however, only applies to the elephant when roaming
undisturbed in his jungle; for, when roused by the hunter, he proves the
most dangerous enemy, and far more difficult to conquer than any other
beast of the chase.

On the 27th, as day dawned, I left my shooting-hole, and proceeded to
inspect the spoor of my wounded elephant. After following it for some
distance I came to an abrupt hillock, and fancying that from the summit
a good view might be obtained of the surrounding country, I left my
followers to seek the spoor while I ascended. I did not raise my eyes
from the ground until I had reached the highest pinnacle of rock. I then
looked east, and, to my inexpressible gratification, beheld a troop of
nine or ten elephants quietly browsing within a quarter of a mile of me.
I allowed myself only one glance at them, and then rushed down to warn
my followers to be silent. A council of war was hastily held, the result
of which was my ordering Isaac to ride hard to camp, with instructions
to return as quickly as possible, accompanied by Kleinboy, and to bring
me my dogs, the large Dutch rifle, and a fresh horse. I once more
ascended the hillock to feast my eyes upon the enchanting sight before
me, and, drawing out my spy-glass, narrowly watched the motions of the
elephants. The herd consisted entirely of females, several of which were
followed by small calves.

Presently on reconnoitering the s