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work. The majority of cases of elephants being disabled by sore-backs and
feet are, in my opinion, due to want of supervision. If every care be taken
to see that animals receive their food, are not overloaded, saved unnecessary
labour, and that parts exposed to irritation be regularly inspected before and after
work, I am certain that the persons in charge will be well repaid for their
trouble. The advantages of these animals for transport are—
1 They can be fairly easily obtained, hire or purchase ; can be quickly and
easily loaded; require no rations to be carried, fodder being in most places
plentiful. Most of the animals in the country are trained to jungle work and
are used to roughing it.
2. They march at a fairly good rate, and in heavy country could keep
up with troops, or would not be left very far behind. If moderately loaded, they
would do well for a forced march, as they keep up an average pace, and can do
without sleep for a fair time.
3. They do not occupy much space on the line of march, so are economical
as regards escorts. Owing to their immense strength they can do all manner
of odd jobs.
4. They require no more care or supervision than is necessary for other
kinds of transport animals. (They seldom get it, however, being, as a rule, left
to the mercy of the native attendants.)
5. The base of operations and along the line of communication are the
best places to employ them, as they are less exposed to attack or capture, and
can be more easily fed.
6. The physical condition of the country, the denseness of the forests
which clothe so large a portion of it, the forest-clad hills, large rivers, swamps,
utter want of roads,—all point in favour of the elephant being the animal to
surmount such difficulties.
Objections.—One great objection to the use of elephants is, that they will not
stand fire; they are very easily alarmed; small animals such as. terriers often cause
them to bolt.
2. They can be seen some way off, and their immense carcases afford fine
targets for an enemy.
3. Should these animals be employed on service from this country, I would
recommend that commissariat guddees and gudelahs be provided; the iron
saddle is not necessary; 1 think, for jungle work, elephants are much better
without them. One Indian attendant for each animal would be necessary to
do the loading. If Chinese (Panthè) mule transport and Shan pack-bullocks
were also engaged, the Burmese elephant gear would do.
Vices.—Bolting, I think, may be considered the most troublesome vice these
animals are addicted to. Many means are adopted for stopping a " bolter."
Diseases.—Of the epizootic disorders met with, foot-and-mouth disease
and anthrax are the most common : the latter disease has been very prevalent
this season amongst domestic and wild animals.
The more common ailments to which they are liable are catarrh, fever,
diarrhœa (parasitic and non-parasitic), dysentery, debility, apoplexy, rheumatism,
eczematous eruptions, and of course surgical injuries and other wounds.
Fatal Shots.—It is sometimes necessary to destroy an elephant. The
shots are:—1, Forehead shot, on level ground, head in natural position. Aim at
centre of forehead, just at the top of bump at base of the trunk, and about three
inches higher than a line drawn between the eyes. 2, Rear shot. A bullet placed
in the hollow above the swelling at junction of neck and jaw is fatal ; the shot
must be taken from behind at an angle of 45 degrees. 3, Side shot. Aim
directly into the ear-hole, in a line to pass through the opposite ear-hole. Shots
placed in close proximity to the ear-hole are fatal. It is necessary to be very
close to ensure accuracy. 4, Body shot. Aim just above the wrinkle behind