The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-10-06

lNO JL them one nuuuTSu l6SL HI 4e9ASl4ls attached to the band in such a manner, by means of steel springs. that the net can be stretched out and pinned to the earth. When the ropes are pulled on the springs release the net, the band draws it together like a pouch, and any thing within its fold is rendered power less. The third rope is attached in such a manner as to lessen the band and re- move the net, without danger to the handlers of it. This, with a small port able bamboo cage to transfer tine ami mals when first captured to the larger cage in waiting, comprises all the neces- sary equipments for the capture of cat animals
 'As all cat animals, unless pressed by hunger, lie in the jungle by day and come forth at night, going to the water ing places and there await the coming of the hay animals, 1t is only necessary to find an elephant tank or watering place and there to prepare for the cap ture of game during the day. Within several hundred yards of the tank and directly in the beaten path of the ani- mals a pit eighteen feet square and two feet deep is dug In this is placed the net, which is firmly pinned to the ground. The pit is covered up with light bamboo brush, leaves, Sc. The rubber ropes are then carried a hundred feet away, and there another pit six feet Is dug, and in it a man is placed in such a position that he can command view of the animal pit. He is then covered loft for I,s arms and for him to see through.
 When the lion or any other cat ami mai comes down the path, he unsus- pectingly steps upon the brush, it gives way, and as he touches the net the ope- rator pulls the ropes, the net flies over him, and he is ours. He is then placed in a portable cage. carried to the other cage in waiting, placed in it, and the net removed by means of a third rope. At first he looks relieved. then disgusted, and the next minute he is mad, but it is no use.
 This is all very well; but some day when the wind betrays our presence he starts on a hunt of his own, which as rule is not very agreeable, as at these times it is necessary to kill him, and in the combat that ensues, unless killed by the first volley, some one is sure to get hurt.
 For capturing elephants there are several methods employed. For the capture of male elephants a stockade twenty-five feet square and four feet deep Is built, surrounded by strong palisade twenty feet in height, and whose only entrance Is by means of door which swings inward, but never out, as 1t closes against four feet of sol- i'd earth. From the edge of the stock ade is built temporary bamboo hedge, leading to the nearest tank, and gene rally several hundred yards in length.
 About two-thirds of the distance from the pit is narrow opening, just large enough for a trained horse to go through. When the man who is to con- duct the capture sees herd of ele- plants at the tank he approaches them on horseback, and as there are always one or more male elephants with herd of females, as soon as they see him the leader, thinking he intends to molest thet females, starts in pursuit of him. The Illdu IuIll5 anu lidG5 tdpldlS Ao"ll eAAV hedge, the elephant In pursuit. When he reaches the opening he darts through and keeps down te other side. The ele- phant, huge, ungainly brute, is una ble to stop, and seeing the object of his pursuit ahead, passes the opening and as he reaches the pit the man passes the corner, the elephant strikes the gate heavy blow to knock it out of his way. It swings inward: he rushes in, sees the trap, turns, only to find the gate closed and himself prisoner.
 He is kept there three days without food or water Fires are built at night and green, smoking brush thrown in, which nearly stifles him. Natives are employed to beat on tom-toms, drums made of sticks covered with sheepskin and filled with pebbles, which make an unearthly noise, for the purpose of frightening him. At the end of three days food and water are brought, and two men armed with elephant hooks en- ter and if he is sufficiently subdued to eat and drink, they place chains on him, fasten him to trained elephant, and start for the stockade. Should he show fight, he is caught on each side on the ears by means of the hook and chained. This is, however, very rarely necessary. as he is generally hungry and thirsty enough to attack the food at once, and while so employed is easily chained.
 For capturing the female different method Is employed, Four rubber ropes one hundred feet in length, and of great elasticity and strength, are taken by man In charge of trained male. When the herd is sighted the elephant is sent alone to make the acquaintance of the females After he succeeds in so doing and while engaged in caressing one the man approaches under cover of his body, slips under the male quickly, throws the noosed end of one of the ropes over one foot, and retires, and then after a few minutes of excitement on her part the male succeeds in quiet ing her, when the same means are en- ployed again and continued until all four of her feet are noosed. Three of the ropes are made fast to the trunks of - =-=======--=== -