Year: 1869

are all dried up, and the tanks nearly
so. All animals are then sorely press
ed for water, and they congregate in
the vicinity of those tanks in which
there may remain ever so little of the
precious element.


During one Of those seasons | was
encamped on the bund or embankment
of very small tank, the water in
which was so dried that its surface
could not have exceeded an area OF
500 square yards. 1t was the only
pond within many miles, and | knew
that of necessity very large herd of ell
ephants, that had been in the neighbor-
hood all day, must resort to it at night.


On the lower side of the tank, and
in a line with the embaukment, was a
thick forest, in which the elephants
sheltered themselves during the day.
On the upper side and all around the
tank there was a considerable margin
of open ground. 1t was one of those
beautiful bright, clear, moonlight
nights, when objects could be seen al.
most as distinctly as by day, and de-
termined to avail myself Of the oppor-
tunity to observe the movements of
the herd, which had already manifest
ed some uneasiness at our presence.
The locality was very favorable for
my purpose, and an enormous tree
projecting over the tank afforded me
secure lOdgment in its branches.
Having ordered the fire of my camp
to be extinguished at an early hour,
my followers retired to rest and took
up my post of observation on the over
hanging boughs; but | had to remain
for upwards of two hours before any
thing was seen or heard of the ell.
ephants. although | knew they were
within 500 yards of Inc. At length
about the distance of 800 yards from
the water,an unusually large elephant
issued from the dense cover, and ad-
yanced cautiously across the open
ground to within 100 yards Of the
tank, where he stood perfectly motion.
less. So quiet had the elephants be.
come (although they had been roaring
and breaking the Jungle throughout
the day and evening that not a move
ment was now to be heard. The huge
Hidette remained in his position, still
as a rock, for few minutes, and then
made three successive stealthy ad
yance5 Of several yards (halting foI
some minutes between each, with ears
bent forward to catch the slightest
sOuud), and in this way he moved
slowly up to the waters edge. Still
he did not venture to quench his thirst
for though his fore feet were partially
in the tank and his vast body was re
lected clear in the water, he remained
/ for some minutes listening in perfect
stiffness. Not a motion could be per-
ceived in himself or his shadow. He
returned cautiously and slowly tc
the position he had first taken up OF
emerging from the forest. Here in {
little while he was Joined by five 9th
ers, with which he again proceeded a:
cautiously, but less slowly than before
to within a few yards of the tank. anC
then posted his patrols. He then re
entered the forest and collectedarounC
him the whole herd, which must have
amounted to between eighty and ;
hundred individuals-led them acros.
the open ground with the most extra
ordinary cOmpOsure and quietness
till he joined the advance guard, wheI
he left them for a moment and repeat
ed his former reconnaissance at the
edge OF the tank; after which, having
apparently satisfied himself that al
was safe, he returned, and obviousl,
gave the order to advance, for in ;
moment the whole herd rushed int
the water


When the poor animals had gaineC
1 possession of the tank (the leader be
ing the last to enter), they seemed t,
abandon themselves to enioymen
without restraint or apprehension tt
danger. Such a mass of animals
had never before seen huddled togeth
er in so narrow a space. 1t SCENE,
to me as though they would hav,
nearly drank the tank dry. | watch
ed them with great interest until the,
had satisfied themselves as well il
bathing as in drinking, when l trieC
how small noise would apprlse then
of the proximity Of unwelcome neigh
bors. | had but TO break a littl
twig, and the solid mass instantly tool
to flight like herd of frightened deer
each of the smaller calves being ap
parently shouldered and carried alon;
between two of the older ones. -
Sir j. Emerson Iennent.