IN CENTRAL AFRIRA.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 18, Issue 41, 21 May 1907, Page 2

IN CENTRAL AFRIRA.

One favourite food of the African elephant is the tender, juicy roots of the mimosa tree, which grows in scattered groups th-reugh most of fcho meadows and lowlands of Central Africa. When an elepharit finds a young tree of this sort, it is not difficult as a rule for him to get at the roots, especially if the surrounding soil is moist and loose, as is often case after it has been soaked oy the heavy rainfalls of the tropics. If the tree is loose, the elephant, knowing his strength, winds his trunk firmly round the the tree, and plucks it froln the earth, a feat whieh is no harder for him than the pulling up of a flower is for a child. But the elephant does not stop hero experience has taught him the mo3t comfortable way of enjoying his prize, so that, without relaxing his hold, he turns the tree completely over, and stands it, with its upper branches thrust down, into tlie place where the roots were. Then the earthy roots, now replacing the branches, remain within easy reach of the strong and deft trunk. African travellers tell us of great tracts of country almost covered with these inverted trees. Seeing the dry trees turned upside down, one would be more likely to think a wood had been reversed by mischievous fairies than to suppose hungry elephants had been feeding there.