New-York daily tribune., 1851-05-29
ElephantH Hunting in CeylOn.

A few days since, we had an opportunity
of conversing with Mr. stebbings June, who arrived
from Ceyon about three weeks ago In the bark Re-
sata bringing with him the cargo of elephants which
now accompany Mr. Barnum's travelling menagerie.
During his visit Mr. June was obliged to traverse the
greater part OF the Island in his search for sufficient
number of elephants OF the size and quality required
for an imposing exhibition. Consequently, he saw a
great deal of the wild tropical regions Of the interior
and OF the character and customs of the Cingalese
We give herewith, an outline of his experience,
which, if not quite equal to Mr.. Gordon Cummings
South African stores still furnishes interesting
chapter of adventure.
Mr. June, with Mr. Nuttor, of Boston, sailed on his
eephantne expedition in July last, and arrived at
Point de Gale, seaport on the southwestern ex-
tremity of Ceylon in the early part Of October This
port and Trnc0maee, on the northeastern coast are
the only large harbors which the island possesses.
The first object Of MesSrs June and Nutter on land
ing was to procure some elephants either from the
Government authorities, OF from the temples which
own large numbers of them, and thus avoid the ne
ceSsity of catching and tanning wild animals In this,
however, they were disappointed. The new Govern
or had Just entered his duties, and all official ar
rangements seemed to be IN a confused and unsatis
nor had been injured by severe rams, and greater
number OF the animals than usual was required, for
the purpose Of repairing them. Accordingly. after
reaching Colombo the maritime capital Of the coun-
try which lies on the western coast about 60 miles
north of Point de Gale, and finding no chance Of
procuring what he wanted, Mr.. June determined 10
start for the city Of Handy, IN the Interior and forty
miles distant. An client carriage road has been
constructed between the two places, on which mall
coach makes three tnps every week. Handy which
is large town. situated on a beautiful table-land
l7OO feet above the sea and surrounded BY mountains
the residence Of the kings of Handy, the native
monarchs Of the island previous their overthrow
by the English, IN 1878. Here again Mr.. June was
disappointed in his hope Of finding elephants for sale
and notwithstanding the rainy had Just set in
and the undertaking was considered hazardous in tn.
extreme he determined to take to the jungles and Sc
leci a ship-load from among the Wild herds
In order 10 understand the nature Of such an exn4
don. some account ofthe topography of the island Is
necessary. The shores Of Ceylon are generally low
although In the Southern part ,llf and rocky. For
some distance inland the ground is level and for the
most part cultivated, being covered with fields of
paddy IA coarse kind OF rcel and groves Of CHINA.
mon Toward the centre II rises into table-land.
from 2OO0 to 5000 feet above the sea and almost en-
trey covered with dense and luxurlant forests THIS
gradually nses into a mountain cham, which divides
the Island from North to South, into two nearly
equal parts. Adams Peak, about 30 miles south
west OF Handy, attans altitude Of more than 1000
feet, and has been considered the highest Of the
range Mr.. June, however, informs US that on ms
way from Handy 10 Fort Patrick, east OF the noun
iains, he passed still higher peak. THIS geographi-
cal division Of the island IS singularly enough, d.