HOW THE KING OF SIAM CHOOSES HIS ELEPHANTS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VII, Issue 11, 14 March 1891, Page 2

HOW THE KING OF SIAM CHOOSES HIS ELEPHANTS.

When the herd entered the wide mouth of the funnel that narrowed down to the stockade, it became frantic with rage and terror. Dozens at a time stood on their hind legs, waving their trunks wildly and bellowing with open mouths. The panic became teriific. In the ensuing crush, the mothers steadfastly guarded their young. Many a baby elephant stood bleating beneath its mother’s chest, protected by her strong fore legs, her active proboscis and her body set as a bulwark for its defence. In many cases two mothers united in the care of some little one. Shoulder to shoulder they leaned over the youngster that was between them and shielded it under frightful pressure and peiil with courage and calmness. So perfect was the protection of the babies, that more than a score of these—some weaklings no larger than a sheep —survived the crush of entrance into the stockade, while ten full-grown elephants were therein killed. When they got within the stockade the maddened herd rushed round and round the arena. As they passed and repassed the stand, the official, a commissioner of elephants, indicated to the hunters which ones were to be taken. When these happened to come upon the outside of the swirling mass, and near the circumference of the enclosure, they were passed around the ankles as they raised their feet in walking, and the cables that formed the nooses were made fast to the posts of the stockade. Several cables bound the feet of each captive and held him from further travel with his companions. Having secured as many of the elephants as would be required by the government for several years, the remainder of the herd was led out upon the plain, while a few more were lassooed for sport. One frenzied animal came trumpeting up the steps of the stand occupied by the officers and guests. The official shouted commands to the hunters; gentlemen climbed pillars ; ladies mounted tables and shrieked ; consternation reigned until the hunters scaled the stand, and with their sharp goads prodded the intruder off to a safe distance. The dismissed elephants gradually made their way to the jungles, there to feed and grow until the king should appoint another hunt. The prisoners would be tamed and then used in lifting lumber, in carrying goods and travellers across the country, and in war. The trained beasts are manifestly larger, stronger, healthier and wiser than their wild fellows. They bathe, eat, exercise, and- sleep regularly, and apparently gain much in cunning and sagacity under human instruction.