In telling how elephants are trained, so interwoven is our subject with that of the capture of the animals, that perhaps our best plan will be to take a hint from Mrs. Glass’s recipe for cooking the hare, viz., catch him first—and commence with the capture of the animals. Although authentic3 instances are on record of elephants breeding in captivity4, it is of very rare occurrence, so that, practically, it may be said that the entire supply of domesticated5 elephants has been obtained by conversion6 from a wild state.
The device of taking them in pitfalls7 still prevails in India, but this is a laborious8 operation, often unsuccessful, owing to the caution of the animal; besides this, if caught, the great weight of the elephant, and the inability of his legs to withstand any severe direct shock, too frequently cause so much injury to the game as to render this mode of capture unprofitable. A writer on Ceylon, nearly two hundred years ago, describes another method which is still practiced. Describing the captures of elephants for the stud of the king of Kandy, he says:
“After discovering the retreat of such as have tusks9, unto these they drive some she elephants, which they bring with them for the purpose, which, when once the males have got a sight of they will never leave, but follow them wheresoever they go; and the females are so used to it, that they will do whatsoever10, either by word or beck, their keepers bid them. And so they delude11 them along through towns and countries, and through the streets of the city, even to the very gates of the king’s palace, where sometimes they seize them by snares12, and sometimes by driving them into a kind of pound, they catch them.”
Throughout the China-Indian peninsula the natives use female elephants in approaching males detached from the herd13, or selected as desired captives on account of their beauty—the capture being effected by casting a noose14 over the foot of the victim. Probably, however, the Moormen of Ceylon are unexcelled in daring or adroitness15 in this vocation16. So fearless are these professional catchers, or panickeas as they are termed, that two will, without aid or attendants, attempt the capture of the largest sized elephant. Their only weapon is a flexible rope of deer’s or buffalo’s hide. Stealing behind the animal 107when at rest, or stealthily following in his footsteps if in motion, they attach this rope to his hind17 legs. When at rest the elephant has a habit of swinging his hind feet, which aids the catchers in slipping the noose over the leg. Should the noosing18 be effected in open ground where there is no tree to which to secure the prize, one man allows himself to be pursued by the enraged19 elephant, and thus entices20 him to a more favorable locality, where the other man seizes the trailing rope and winds it around some convenient tree. The animal now turns upon his new assailant, but the first provokes him with gesticulations and taunting21 shouts of “dah! dah!” of which word the animal has a remarkable22 dislike. Meanwhile, the man’s comrade has secured the first noose, entangles23 one foot after the other until all are secured, and the capture complete.
Then a shelter of branches is put up for the men, and day and night they remain encamped before their prisoner. The elephant, in a few days at the farthest, becomes submissive, subdued25 by exhaustion26 and hunger, the terror of the fire which he dreads28, and the smoke which he detests29. Then an abundance of plantains and other dainties are given him, he is supplied with plenty of water, of which he is very fond, and gradually he becomes reconciled to his keepers, and finally they venture to start with their huge prisoner for their own village, generally many miles away, with forests and jungles intervening. Still too morose30 to permit his captors to ride him, and too powerful to be led or driven, this forced march taxes the ingenuity31 of the hunters to the utmost. Alternately vexing32 and eluding33 him, they keep his attention constantly attracted, and so induce him to move in the desired direction. The rope with which the capture was effected is of some assistance, besides being used to tie up the animal at night, and this is never removed from his leg until he is sufficiently34 tame to be entrusted35 with partial liberty.
108
GROUND PLAN OF A CORRAL.
METHOD OF FENCING A CORRAL.
Frequently a whole herd, numbering from thirty to one hundred individuals, is captured at once, but in this case a different plan from the foregoing is adopted. The custom in Bengal is to construct a strong enclosure (called a keddah) in the heart of the forest, formed of the trunks of trees firmly secured by transverse beams and buttresses36, and leaving a gate for the entrance of the elephants. A second enclosure, opening from the first, contains water (if possible a rivulet37;) this again communicates with a third, which terminates in a funnel-shaped passage, too narrow to admit of an elephant turning, and within this the captives being driven in line, are secured with ropes introduced from the outside, and led away in custody38 of tamed ones trained for the purpose. The keddah being prepared, the first operation is to drive the elephants toward it, for which purpose vast bodies of men fetch a compass in the forest around the haunts of the herds39, contracting it by degrees till they complete the enclosure of a certain area, round which they kindle40 fires, and cut footpaths41 through the jungle, to enable the watchers to communicate and combine. All this is performed in cautious silence and by slow approaches, to avoid alarming the herd. A fresh circle nearer to the keddah is then formed in the same way, and into this the elephants are admitted from the first one, the hunters following from behind, and lighting42 new fires around the newly enclosed space. Day after day the process is repeated; till the drove having been brought sufficiently close to make the final rush, the whole party close in from all 109sides, and with drums, guns, shouts, and flambeaux, force the terrified animals to enter the fatal enclosure, when the passage is barred behind them, and retreat rendered impossible. Their efforts to escape are repressed by the crowd, who drive them back from the stockade43 with spears and flaming torches; and at last compel them to pass on into the second enclosure. Here they are detained for a short time, and their feverish44 exhaustion relieved by free access to water—until at last, being tempted45 by food, or otherwise induced to trust themselves in the narrow outlet46, they are one after another made fast by ropes, passed in through the palisade, and picketed47 in the adjoining woods to enter on their course of systematic48 training. These arrangements vary in different districts of Bengal; and the method adopted in Ceylon differs in many essential particulars from them all; the keddah, or, as it is here called, the corral or korahl (from the Portuguese49 curral, a “cattle-pen,”) consists of but one enclosure instead of three. A stream or watering place is not uniformly enclosed within it, because, although water is indispensable after the long thirst and exhaustion of the captives, it has been found that a pond or rivulet within the corral itself adds to the difficulty of leading them out, and increases their reluctance50 to leave it; besides which, the smaller ones are often smothered51 by the others in their eagerness to crowd into the water. The funnel-shaped outlet is also dispensed52 with, as the animals are liable to bruise53 and injure themselves within the narrow stockade; and should one of them die in it, as is too often the case in the midst of the struggle, the difficulty of removing so great a carcass is extreme. The noosing and securing them, therefore, takes place in Ceylon within the area of the first enclosure into which they enter, and the dexterity54 and daring displayed in this portion of the work far surpasses that of merely attaching the rope through the openings of the paling, as in an Indian keddah, and affords a much more exciting sport.
In Ceylon, in former times, the work connected with these hunts was performed by forced labor1 extorted55 from the natives by their sovereigns as a part of the feudal56 service termed “rajakaríya,” and this labor was in succession demanded by the Portuguese, Dutch and English, as the island passed successively into their possession. Since the abolition57 of this compulsory58 duty, there has been no difficulty in securing all required assistance voluntarily. From fifteen hundred to two thousand men are required to construct the corral, drive in the elephants, maintain the cordon59 of watch-fires and watchers, and attend to other duties. Many weeks are occupied in putting up the 110stockades, cutting paths through the jungle, and surrounding and driving in the elephants.
POSITION OFTEN TAKEN IN ATTEMPTING TO BREAK THE ROPE.
In selecting the scene for an elephant hunt a position is chosen which lies on some old and frequented route of the animals, in their periodical migrations60 in search of forage62 and water; and the vicinity of a stream is indispensable, not only for the supply of the elephants during the time spent in inducing them to approach the enclosure, but to enable them to bathe and cool themselves throughout the process of training after capture. In constructing the corral itself, care is taken to avoid disturbing the trees or the brushwood within the included space, and especially on the side by which the elephants are to approach, where it is essential to conceal63 the stockade as much as possible by the density64 of the foliage65. The trees used in the structure are from ten to twelve inches in diameter; and are sunk about three feet in the earth, so as to leave a length of from twelve to fifteen feet above ground; with spaces between each stanchion sufficiently wide to permit a man to glide66 through. The uprights are made fast by transverse beams, to which they are lashed67 securely by ratans and flexible climbing plants, or as they are called, “jungle ropes,” and the whole is steadied by means of forked supports which grasp the tie beams, and prevent the work from being driven outward by the rush of the wild elephants.
111The space enclosed varies, but 500 feet in length by 250 wide is a fair average. At one end an entrance is left open, fitted with sliding bars, so prepared as to be capable of being instantly shut; and from each angle of the end by which the elephants were to approach, two lines of the same strong fencing were continued, and cautiously concealed68 by the trees, so that the animals would be prevented from making their escape at the sides while being forced forward to the entrance of the corral.
The corral being prepared, the beaters address themselves to driving in the elephants. For this purpose it is often necessary to make a circuit of many miles in order to surround a sufficient number, and the caution to be observed involves patience and delay; as it is essential to avoid alarming the animals, who might otherwise escape. Their disposition69 being essentially70 peaceful, and their only impulse to browse71 in solitude72 and security, they withdraw instinctively73 before the slightest intrusion, and advantage is taken of this timidity and love of seclusion74 to cause only just such an amount of disturbance75 as will induce them to retire slowly in the direction which it is desired they should take. Several herds are by this means concentrated within such an area as will admit of their being completely surrounded by the watchers; and day after day, by slow degrees, they are moved gradually onward76 toward the immediate77 confines of the corral. When their suspicions become awakened78 and they exhibit restlessness and alarm, bolder measures are adopted for preventing their escape. Fires are kept burning at ten paces apart, night and day, along the circumference79 of the area within which they are detained. At last the elephants are forced onward so close to the enclosure, that the investing cordon is united at either end with the wings of the corral, the whole forming a circuit of about two miles, within which the herd is detained to await the signal for the final drive.
Suddenly the signal is given, and the silence is broken by shouts from the guard, the banging of drums and tom-toms, and the discharge of muskets80. Amid this noise the elephants are driven forward to and through the gate, which is instantly closed to cut off their retreat. In a moment more they rush wildly about the enclosure, trampling81 the brushwood beneath their ponderous82 tread, and charge against the palisades, screaming with rage at each unsuccessful effort. By degrees their efforts slacken, and in about an hour the whole herd, exhausted83 and stupified, stand motionless.
112
SECURING CAPTURED ELEPHANTS WITH THE AID OF THE TAME ONES.
The next operation is to introduce the tame elephants into the corral to aid in securing the captives. Cautiously the bars which secure the entrance are let down, and the trained elephants, each mounted by its mahout and one attendant, enter the corral. Around the elephant’s neck is a strong collar composed of ropes of coconut84 fiber85, from which hangs on either side cords of elk’s hide prepared with a ready noose. Gradually each trained animal approaches one of the wild ones, until being sufficiently near, the nooser watching his opportunity, slips the noose over one of its legs. Immediately the tame elephant retires with its riders, drawing the rope tight, and hauling the captive toward some large tree. In this the other tame animals lend assistance, pushing with their heads and shoulders. The first tame one now winds the rope around the tree, and the others crowd up to the wild animal, and keep him in position while his other legs are being secured. The tame elephants in all these proceedings86 appear to feel a sportsman’s interest, and are as eager to secure the victim as are their human assistants. Of their own accord they will perform any act which reason would naturally suggest for overcoming any difficulty that arises, or which seems necessary under any given circumstances. Thus Major Skinner relates an instance where a wild 113elephant raised with her trunk the rope which had been attached to her foot, succeeded in carrying it to her mouth, and would have bitten it through and escaped, but was prevented by a tame elephant placing his foot on the rope, and pressing it downward out of her jaws88. On another occasion, the same authority says a tame animal watched her opportunity, and placed her foot under that of the wild one as he raised it, so as to prevent his replacing it upon the ground, enabling the nooser to attach the rope.
In all this though the tame elephants bend all their energies to securing the captives, and seem to really enjoy what is going on, they show no malignity89, carefully avoid doing any injury to the prisoners, and even when it is necessary in binding91 new animals to walk over those already secured—usually sprawling92 on the ground struggling to get free—they take the utmost pains not to tread on them.
When first secured, the elephant struggles fiercely to break his bonds, writhing93 in a manner one would think impossible for so bulky and unwieldly an animal. Failing in this, he seems to give way to despair, and utters the most pitiable moans. Food is now placed within their reach, which at first they spurn94 indignantly, the older ones frequently trampling it under foot. The milder ones, as they become composed, allow themselves to be tempted by the delicacies95 before them, and commence listlessly chewing the juicy morsels96. The mellow97 notes of a kandyan flute98 sometimes aid in soothing99 and composing the captives. It may be remarked that elephants are greatly influenced by music, being soothed100 and quieted by soft plaintive101 melodies, while it is also recorded that in the old wars in which they were used, their courage in battle was excited by the martial102 strains.
The last operation of the corral is to slacken the ropes and march each captive elephant down to the river between two tame ones. Both of the tame elephants are furnished with strong collars, and a similar collar is formed on the neck of the wild one, who stands between them, by successive coils of coconut; then these collars are connected, and the prisoner made secure between his guards. Then the nooses103 which have confined his feet are removed, and the three animals march to the river, where they are allowed to bathe. After the bath the captive elephant is made fast to some tree in the forest, keepers are assigned to him, as well as a retinue104 of leaf-cutters, whose duty it is to keep him supplied with such food as he most relishes105. These arrangements being made, he is left to the care of his new masters, who will see that he is trained up in the way he should go.
114
THE WAY THAT ELEPHANTS ARE TRAINED.
It is a very general impression that the training of these huge and powerful animals is a work of great difficulty and tediousness. This is a mistake. Elephants are naturally of a mild and docile106 nature, although hunters and travelers, to add luster107 to their own exploits, have represented them otherwise. Even the notorious “rogues109”[3] are not such wholly bad fellows as has been asserted by some of these writers, and the Mayne Reid style of natural history must be taken with considerable allowance. In their wild state it is very seldom that they attack any person or animal, unless provoked or assailed110, and even when some heroic hunter sneaks111 up to shoot them unawares, or from some secure position peppers them with his rifle, the animals usually appear only anxious to escape from their aggressor.[4]
3. Most readers are familiar with the term “rogue108” as applied112 to elephants, but probably some are not aware of its exact meaning. A herd of elephants is a family, and not a group collected by accident or attachment113. The usual number of individuals in a herd is from ten to twenty, though the latter number is sometimes exceeded. In their visits to water-courses and migrations, alliances are formed between members of different herds, thus introducing new blood into the family. If an individual becomes separated from his herd, however, he is not permitted to introduce himself into another. He may browse in their vicinity, or resort to the same stream to bathe or drink, but farther than this no acquaintance is allowed. An elephant who has lost his herd, and is by this habit of exclusiveness made an outcast, is a “rogue,” and this ban under which he suffers tends to excite that moroseness114 and savageness115 for which rogues are noted116. Another conjecture117 is, that as rogues are almost always males, the death or capture of particular females has led them to leave their herds to seek new alliances. A tame elephant escaping from captivity, unable to find his former companions, becomes of necessity a rogue.
4. We could never experience any other feelings than disgust at the cruelty, and pity for the animals, at reading the sickening details with which, with a slaughter118-house gusto, certain heroes have graced the narratives119 of their exploits. Gordon Cummings gives an account of his pursuit of a wounded elephant which he had lamed120 by lodging121 a ball in its shoulder blade. It limped slowly toward a tree, against which it leaned itself in helpless agony, whilst its pursuer seated himself in front of it, in safety, to boil his coffee, and observe its sufferings. The story is continued as follows: “Having admired him for a considerable time, I resolved to make experiments on vulnerable points; and approaching very near I fired several bullets at different parts of his enormous skull122. He only acknowledged the shots by a salaam-like movement of his trunk, with the point of which he gently touched the wounds with a striking and peculiar123 action. Surprised and shocked at finding that I was only prolonging the sufferings of the noble beast, which bore its trials with such dignified124 composure, I resolved to finish the proceeding87 with all possible despatch125, and accordingly opened fire upon him from the left side, aiming at the shoulder. I first fired six shots with the two-grooved rifle, which must have eventually proved mortal. After which I fired six shots at the same part with the Dutch six-pounder. Large tears now trickled126 from his eyes, which he slowly shut and opened, his colossal127 frame shivered convulsively, and falling on his side, he expired.”
In another place, after detailing the manner in which he assailed a poor animal, he says: “I was loading and firing as fast as could be, sometimes at the head, sometimes behind the shoulder, until my elephant’s forequarter was a mass of gore128: notwithstanding which he continued to hold on, leaving the grass and branches of the forest scarlet130 in his wake. * * * * * Having fired thirty-five rounds with my two-grooved rifle, I opened upon him with the Dutch six-pounder, and when forty bullets perforated his hide, he began for the first time to evince signs of a dilapidated constitution.” The disgusting description is closed thus: “Throughout the charge he repeatedly cooled his person with large quantities of water, which he ejected from his trunk over his sides and back, and just as the pangs131 of death came over him, he stood trembling violently beside a thorn tree, and kept pouring water into his bloody132 mouth until he died, when he pitched heavily forward with the whole weight of his fore24-quarters resting on the points of his tusks. The strain was fair, and the tusks did not yield; but the portion of his head in which the tusks were imbedded, extending a long way above the eye, yielded and burst with a muffled133 crash.”
“Sport” is noble, but a butcher is not necessarily a sportsman, and a useless destruction of life, where no more danger is incurred134 than in a butcher’s shambles135, is not an absolute proof of courage or heroism136, and the “noble hunters” have not the butcher’s excuse for the bloodshed. Whatever of heroism there is in these encounters, we cannot help thinking, is displayed by the elephants, and not by their aggressors. For a hunter to put such achievements as we have just quoted on record merely displays the egotism and cruelty of the man.
115The training is simple, and the intelligence and obedience137 of the pupil are developed with remarkable rapidity. For the first three days, or until they will eat freely, which they seldom do in a shorter time, the newly captured elephants are allowed to remain perfectly138 quiet; and if practicable, a tame elephant is tied near them to give the wild ones confidence. Where many elephants are being trained at once, it is customary to put each new captive between the stalls of half-tamed ones, thereby139 inducing it to more readily take to its food. The next stage of the training process is commenced by placing a tame elephant on each side of the pupil, with the “cooroowe vidahn,” or head of the stables, standing129 in front, holding a long stick with a sharp iron point. Two men are then stationed one on either side, each holding an iron instrument furnished with both a sharp point and a hook. This is called a “hendoo” in Ceylon, and a “hawkus” in Bengal, and is the principal weapon used in guiding and controlling elephants, as it has been from very ancient times. This instrument is held toward the animal’s trunk, while one or two assistants rub their hands over his back, keeping up while doing so a soothing and plaintive chant, interspersed140 with endearing epithets141, such as, “ho! my son,” or “ho! my father,” or “my mother,” as may be applicable to the age and sex of the captive. At first the elephant is furious, and strikes in all directions with his trunk; but the men in front receiving these blows on the points of their weapons, the extremity142 of the trunk becomes so sore that the animal curls it up close, and seldom afterward143 attempts to use it offensively. The first dread27 of man’s power being thus established, the process of taking him to bathe between two tame elephants is greatly facilitated, and by lengthening144 the neck rope, and drawing the feet together as close as possible, the process of laying him down in the water is finally accomplished145 by the keepers pressing the sharp points of their hendoos over the backbone146.
MEDAL OF NUMIDIA, GIVING A REPRESENTATION OF AN ANCIENT HENDOO.
For many days the roaring and resistance which attend the 116operation are considerable, and it often requires the sagacious interference of the tame elephants to control the refractory147 wild ones. It soon, however, becomes practicable to leave the latter alone, only taking them to and from the stall by the aid of a decoy. This step lasts, under ordinary treatment, for about three weeks, when an elephant may be taken alone with his legs hobbled, and a man walking backward in front with the point of the hendoo always presented to the elephant’s head, and a keeper with an iron crook148 at each ear. On getting into the water, the fear of being pricked149 on his tender back induces him to lie down immediately on the crook being held over him in terrorem. Once this point has been achieved, the farther process of taming is dependent upon the disposition of the creature.
MODERN HENDOO.
The greatest care is requisite150, and daily medicines are applied to heal the fearful wounds on the legs which even the softest ropes occasion. This is the great difficulty of training; for the wounds fester grievously, and months and sometimes years will elapse before an elephant will allow his feet to be touched without indications of alarm and anger.
The observation has been frequently made that the elephants most vicious and troublesome to tame, and the most worthless when tamed, are those distinguished151 by a thin trunk and flabby pendulous152 ears. The period of tuition does not appear to be influenced by the size or strength of the animals: some of the smallest give the greatest amount of trouble; whereas, in the instance of the two largest that have been taken in Ceylon within the last thirty years, both were docile in a remarkable degree. One in particular, fed from the hand the first night it was secured, and in a very few days evinced pleasure on being patted on the head. The males are generally more unmanageable than the females, and in both an inclination153 to lie down to rest is regarded as a favorable symptom of approaching tractability154, some of the most resolute155 having been known to stand for months together, even during sleep. Those which are the most obstinate156 and violent at first are the soonest and most effectually subdued, and generally prove permanently157 docile and submissive. But those which are sullen158 or morose, although they may not provoke chastisement159 by their viciousness, are always slower in being trained, and are rarely to be trusted in after life.
But whatever may be his natural gentleness and docility160, the temper of an elephant is seldom to be implicitly161 relied on in a 117state of captivity and coercion162. The most amenable163 are subject to occasional fits of stubbornness; and even after years of submission164, irritability165 and resentment166 will sometimes unaccountably manifest themselves. It may be that the restraints and severer discipline of training have not been entirely167 forgotten; or that incidents which in ordinary health would be productive of no demonstration168 whatever, may lead, in moments of temporary illness, to fretfulness and anger.
In his native country the first employment to which an elephant is put is treading clay in a brick-field, or to draw a wagon169 in double harness with a tame elephant. After this he is promoted to moving heavy stones or other material, or in piling lumber170. In these occupations he has an opportunity to display that natural sagacity for which he is noted. It is only necessary to make him understand the object desired to be accomplished, and he will himself devise means to attain171 that result. In the detail of the work it is seldom necessary to prompt him, and he will even resent an attempt to compel him to adopt a different plan from the one he has selected. His trunk is the instrument on which he principally relies for moving timber and masses of rock; his tusks, if he possess them, are also of service. Most persons entertain an exaggerated opinion of the elephant’s strength. It is currently believed that with but slight exertion172 he can uproot173 forest trees, and is in the habit of doing so as a species of mild recreation. It is true he is of considerable service in clearing paths through the jungle, but the removal of even a small tree is a matter of both time and labor. Another common error is the assumption that elephants are so thoroughly174 creatures of habit, that their movements are purely175 mechanical, and that any deviation176 from accustomed ways is excessively annoying and disconcerting to them. The best informed authorities assert that changes of treatment, or of hours of occupation, are as easily made as with a horse. Still another mistake, derived177 no doubt from the intelligence and earnestness he displays in work, is the idea that he actually enjoys his labor, and will perform his task as faithfully in the absence of his keeper as when he is present. The elephant, however, loves his ease, and unless his attendant has a watchful178 eye upon him, he will, on completing the task immediately in hand, stroll off to browse, or to enjoy the luxury of blowing dust over his back.
The impulse of obedience is very strikingly manifested in the patience with which, at the command of his keeper, he will swallow the nauseating179 medicines of the native elephant doctors. The fortitude180 with which he submits to excruciating 118surgical operations for the relief of ulcers181, would indicate that he comprehends in a measure the purpose of them. Obedience to his keeper’s orders is not in all cases proof of a perception of the object to be attained182 by compliance183. This is shown in the touching184 incident which took place at the slaughter of the elephant at Exeter, England, when after receiving fully90 one hundred and twenty balls in various parts of his body, and these proving ineffectual to end his existence, he turned his face to his assailants on hearing the voice of his keeper, and kneeled down at the accustomed word of command, so as to bring his forehead within view of the rifles.
The affection for his keeper is a great incentive185 to obedience on the part of the elephant, but although this attachment is often great, there is not that unwillingness187 to transfer his affection and obedience to a new keeper, which has been very frequently asserted. If treated with equal kindness he will obey readily and acquire an affection for a new attendant as soon as he becomes familiar with his voice. He no doubt often remembers an old friend and many of the anecdotes188 told of elephants recognizing an old keeper from whom they have long been parted, and being rejoiced thereat, are doubtless true. Founded on very good authority is the story of an animal of particularly stubborn disposition who, on the death of his keeper, refused to obey any other, until some attendants bethought them of a boy some twelve years old in a distant village where the elephant had been formerly190 picketed, and to whom it had displayed considerable attachment. The child was sent for, and on his arrival was immediately recognized with many manifestations191 of pleasure and to him the elephant yielded obedience, until by degrees he became reconciled to a new keeper.
HOW “HUNTING ELEPHANTS” ARE TRAINED.
Probably all readers are familiar with the fact that, in their native countries, elephants are not only used to aid in the capture of their own species, but also in the pursuit of various wild beasts of the jungle. In tiger hunting especially is this the case, and this sport furnishes one of the chief and most exciting amusements of the English troops in India. In this sport the elephant is rather an unwilling186 participant. In his wild state there is no occasion for any conflict between himself and other dwellers192 of the forest. Living entirely on vegetable food, and so under no necessity of preying193 upon other animals; too peaceful to molest194 others, and too powerful to be molested195 by them, in a state of nature each seems anxious to avoid rather than to provoke any encounter. Should a tiger and an elephant 119meet in the jungle each would probably be only anxious to get out of the other’s way as quickly as possible.
The principal difficulty in training elephants for hunting is to overcome the excessive antipathy196, and even dread, they entertain toward tigers. To accomplish this a tiger’s skin is stuffed and placed partially197 concealed among the undergrowth skirting some road. Along the road the elephant is then conducted; always observant, he quickly detects the unwelcome neighbor and considerable urging is required to induce him to pass it. After passing it several times he becomes more indifferent to its presence and may be gradually induced to approach it. Then he is made to turn it over and get thoroughly familiar with it; this accustoms198 him to the tiger in a state of quietude. Then the stuffed figure is thrown toward him and he is taught to receive it upon his tusks. The next lesson may be to drive his tusks into the body. The last operation is to teach the elephant to allow the stuffed tiger to be placed upon his back; this is the most difficult part of all.
When the elephant is properly trained and ready for service the hunter takes his place in the howdah—a sort of box-seat fastened on the animal’s back—while the mahout sits astride the neck. Behind the hunter, in the howdah, rides the shikaree, or native gun carrier, whose duty it is to “play second fiddle” in the expedition. A number of natives are also usually employed as “beaters” to start the game. These men go on foot, seeking safety, in case of danger, by climbing trees or by being lifted up by the elephant upon his back. The elephants are now formed in line and the jungle beaten, in all parts if a small one, or if very extensive in those portions only which appear most likely to contain game. As soon as a tiger is started the line advances upon him, each hunter watching for an opportunity to fire as his elephant charges. Notwithstanding the most careful training instinct often proves an overmatch for the elephant’s education and, he takes to flight in spite of all the driver’s efforts to prevent him. One hunter relates an incident of his elephant being seized with a panic and dumping hunter, driver and all upon his back, into the very midst of a number of tigers which the party were in pursuit of.
In taking a dead tiger home the elephant lies on his side until the body is fastened to him, and then rises with it.
The liability to be seized with a panic at trifling199 circumstances is probably due in a measure to the elephant’s limited range of vision, the short neck preventing his looking much above the level of his head. An anecdote189 illustrative of this is told by Sir J. E. Tennent: “In 1841 an officer was chased by an 120elephant that he had slightly wounded. Seizing him near the dry bed of a river, the animal had his fore foot already raised to crush him; but its forehead being touched at the same instant by the tendrils of a climbing plant which had suspended itself from the branches above, it suddenly turned and fled, leaving him bodily hurt, but with no limbs broken.”
Elephants seldom use their tusks as weapons unless they have been trained to do so; their vertical200 position, and the structure of the neck preventing their being effective unless the object of attack being directly below them. The stories told of the execution of criminals by elephants when Ceylon was under the rule of native kings, generally describe the elephant as killing201 the victim by running its tusks through his body. An eye-witness of one of these executions, however, says the animal never used his tusks at all, but placed his foot upon the prostrate202 man and tore off his limbs in succession by a sudden movement of the trunk. Hunters have frequently described their escape from elephants when the latter might easily have killed them by a thrust of their tusks, but apparently203 did not even know how to use them for that purpose.
The elephant’s dependence204 is really upon his trunk and his ponderous feet. It is related that in an encounter between two elephants, one a tusker and the other without tusks, the latter proved the victor, breaking off one of the former’s tusks with his trunk.
PERFORMING ELEPHANTS.
From very early times elephants have not only been used in war, in industrial pursuits, and to add to the pomp and display of powerful rulers, but ages ago they were made to amuse the multitude by performances not very dissimilar to those witnessed in our modern circuses. An old Roman writer describes a number of elephants exhibited in Rome by a nephew of the emperor Tiberius, who were taught “to twist their limbs and to bend them like a stage dancer,”—Roman stage dancers could not have been remarkable for grace or agility205 we should fancy—“the whole troop came forward from this and that side of the theater, and divided themselves into parties; they advanced walking with a mincing206 gait, and exhibiting in their whole bodies and persons the manners of a beau, clothed in the flowery dresses of dancers; and on the ballet master giving a signal with his voice they fell into line and went round in a circle, and if it were necessary to display they did so. They ornamented207 the floor of the stage by throwing flowers upon it, and beat a measure with their feet and keep time together.” Another feature 121of the entertainment was a banquet prepared for the elephants; “tables were placed then of sweet smelling wood and ivory very superb,” with goblets209 “very expensive, and bowls of gold and silver.” When all was ready the banqueters came forward, six male and an equal number of female elephants; the former had on a male dress and the latter a female; and on the signal being given they stretched forward their trunks in a subdued manner, and took their food in great moderation. The last exploit of these animals related by an old Roman was writing on tablets with their trunks, “neither looking awry210 or turning aside. The hand, however, of the teacher was placed so as to be a guide in the formation of the letters; and while it was writing the animal kept its eye fixed211 down in an accomplished and scholarlike manner.”
PERFORMING ELEPHANT.
In addition to the training elephants receive immediately after their capture, and which we have described, very little instruction is required to prepare them for those performances which delight circus-goers. The performances in question consist usually of lying down, walking on their legs, standing on the head, walking up an inclined plane formed of a narrow plank212, standing on a pedestal, holding a rope for a dancer or acrobat213 to perform upon, and similar feats214. These are nearly all but modifications215 of his labors216 when a captive in his native country. Holding a line for a gymnast is not very different to the elephant from doing the same thing to draw a load or raise a weight.
In compelling the elephant to perform these acts advantage is taken of the fact that the feet of the elephant are peculiarly sensitive and he dreads any injury to them. While a spear held 122at his head will cause him little uneasiness, if the same be directed toward his feet it will cause him to display evident symptoms of anxiety. So by threatened attacks he may be induced to move in any desired direction. By tapping them gently from below he may be made to raise them; and by persevering217 he is made to raise both hind feet—lowering his head as a natural result of this rear movement—and thus is accomplished the feat208 of standing on his head. In the pedestal performance the pedestal is comparatively low, and with the upper surface of just sufficient area to accommodate the elephants four feet, placed close together. He is first made to place one fore foot upon this, then the other, and then in succession the two hind feet. The trainer must be watchful and prevent the elephant’s very natural attempt to replace his fore feet on the ground when he places his hind one on the pedestal. This is done by striking his toes whenever he makes the attempt.
PERFORMING ELEPHANT.
The delicacy218 of touch possessed219 by the elephant’s trunk enables him to use it for many purposes with as much dexterity as a human being would his hands. Thus he easily performs the amusing trick of opening and drinking a bottle of soda220 water; holding the bottle with his feet while he removes the cork221 with his trunk and then lifting the bottle in his trunk and pouring the contents down his throat. Similar tricks are readily acquired by the elephant without any particular training, all that is necessary in the soda-water trick is to let him know there is something in the bottle and his ingenuity may be depended upon to get at the contents. We some years ago witnessed a novel feat at a circus. A small table was brought 123into the ring and the clown seated himself on one side of it. On the other side the elephant who had been performing squatted222 on his haunches. The “supes” then brought in plates of apples, bread, etc., and arranged them on the table. A large two-pronged fork was now handed to the elephant, and with this he dexterously223 “speared” his provender224 and conveyed it to his mouth. This appeared quite wonderful, and was hailed with rounds of applause, but it was a trick very easily taught. The animal had been first given apples on a fork, and not being allowed to eat them except on taking them off the fork with his mouth he soon learned to do so. Then he was given the fork, and the apples placed before him, his trunk was guided by his trainer’s hand to strike the fork into the apple and then he was allowed to carry it to his mouth. If the apples be good ones he will soon learn to do all this without prompting, and will very willingly perform the trick for the sake of the “perquisites.”
We do not imagine that many of our readers will have occasion to train an elephant; still there is often an opportunity afforded at traveling exhibitions, should you desire it, to make an elephant go through a little performance for you, such as picking up your hat, catching225 apples or nuts thrown him, etc. A judicious226 outlay227 in ginger-bread and like delicacies will induce his elephantship to be quite obliging, and if your stock of edibles228 be purchased at the stand in the tent, probably the proprietors229 will offer no objection to your feeding their elephant with them.
Speaking of amateur elephant exhibitors recalls an adventure of our own youthful days. Visiting a menagerie early one afternoon when comparatively few visitors were present, and anxious to “show of” before some less venturesome youths, we had, at the expense of all our pocket money, caused one of the elephants to pick up our cap when thrown down and hand it back to us, to insert his trunk in our pockets after cake, and finally, as a crowning feat, to take bits of cake from between our lips. Had we been contented230 with these achievements our performance would have been a triumph; but, alas231, our ambition was not satisfied, and we thought it would be a still greater display to make the elephant take the cake from the inside of our mouth. So a piece was a placed therein and the mouth held invitingly232 open. Mr. Elephant unhesitatingly inserted his proboscis233, but unfortunately our supply of cake had been well nigh exhausted, and the piece used for the experiment was very small, so either from inability to find it, a mistake in the article, or as a punishment for reducing the rations61, he got hold of our tongue, and the first thing we knew he was attempting to pull it 124out. Luckily his keeper came to our rescue at this critical moment, and we retired234 uninjured but rather crestfallen235.
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1
labor
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| n.劳动，努力，工作，劳工；分娩；vi.劳动，努力，苦干；vt.详细分析；麻烦 | |
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laborers
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| n.体力劳动者，工人( laborer的名词复数 )；（熟练工人的）辅助工 | |
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authentic
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| a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的 | |
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4
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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domesticated
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| adj.喜欢家庭生活的；（指动物）被驯养了的v.驯化( domesticate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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conversion
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| n.转化，转换，转变 | |
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pitfalls
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| （捕猎野兽用的）陷阱( pitfall的名词复数 )； 意想不到的困难，易犯的错误 | |
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laborious
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| adj.吃力的，努力的，不流畅 | |
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9
tusks
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| n.（象等动物的）长牙( tusk的名词复数 )；獠牙；尖形物；尖头 | |
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10
whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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11
delude
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| vt.欺骗；哄骗 | |
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12
snares
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| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
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13
herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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14
noose
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| n.绳套，绞索（刑）；v.用套索捉；使落入圈套；处以绞刑 | |
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15
adroitness
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16
vocation
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| n.职业，行业 | |
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17
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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18
noosing
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| v.绞索，套索( noose的现在分词 ) | |
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19
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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20
entices
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| 诱惑，怂恿( entice的第三人称单数 ) | |
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21
taunting
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| 嘲讽( taunt的现在分词 )； 嘲弄； 辱骂； 奚落 | |
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22
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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23
entangles
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| v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的第三人称单数 ) | |
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24
fore
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| adv.在前面；adj.先前的；在前部的；n.前部 | |
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25
subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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26
exhaustion
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| n.耗尽枯竭，疲惫，筋疲力尽，竭尽，详尽无遗的论述 | |
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27
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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28
dreads
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| n.恐惧，畏惧( dread的名词复数 )；令人恐惧的事物v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的第三人称单数 ) | |
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29
detests
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| v.憎恶，嫌恶，痛恨( detest的第三人称单数 ) | |
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30
morose
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| adj.脾气坏的，不高兴的 | |
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31
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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32
vexing
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| adj.使人烦恼的，使人恼火的v.使烦恼( vex的现在分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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33
eluding
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| v.（尤指机敏地）避开( elude的现在分词 )；逃避；躲避；使达不到 | |
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34
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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35
entrusted
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| v.委托，托付( entrust的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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36
buttresses
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| n.扶壁，扶垛( buttress的名词复数 )v.用扶壁支撑，加固( buttress的第三人称单数 ) | |
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37
rivulet
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| n.小溪，小河 | |
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38
custody
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| n.监护，照看，羁押，拘留 | |
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39
herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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40
kindle
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| v.点燃，着火 | |
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41
footpaths
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| 人行小径，人行道( footpath的名词复数 ) | |
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42
lighting
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| n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光 | |
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43
stockade
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| n.栅栏，围栏；v.用栅栏防护 | |
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44
feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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45
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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46
outlet
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| n.出口/路；销路；批发商店；通风口；发泄 | |
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47
picketed
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| 用尖桩围住（picket的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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48
systematic
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| adj.有系统的，有计划的，有方法的 | |
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49
Portuguese
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| n.葡萄牙人；葡萄牙语 | |
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50
reluctance
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| n.厌恶，讨厌，勉强，不情愿 | |
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51
smothered
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| （使）窒息， （使）透不过气( smother的过去式和过去分词 )； 覆盖； 忍住； 抑制 | |
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52
dispensed
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| v.分配( dispense的过去式和过去分词 )；施与；配（药） | |
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53
bruise
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| n.青肿，挫伤；伤痕；vt.打青；挫伤 | |
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54
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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55
extorted
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| v.敲诈( extort的过去式和过去分词 )；曲解 | |
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56
feudal
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| adj.封建的，封地的，领地的 | |
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57
abolition
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| n.废除，取消 | |
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58
compulsory
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| n.强制的，必修的；规定的，义务的 | |
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59
cordon
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| n.警戒线，哨兵线 | |
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60
migrations
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| n.迁移，移居( migration的名词复数 ) | |
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61
rations
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| 定量( ration的名词复数 )； 配给量； 正常量； 合理的量 | |
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62
forage
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| n.(牛马的)饲料，粮草；v.搜寻，翻寻 | |
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63
conceal
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，隐蔽 | |
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64
density
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| n.密集，密度，浓度 | |
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65
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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66
glide
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| n./v.溜，滑行；(时间)消逝 | |
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67
lashed
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| adj.具睫毛的v.鞭打( lash的过去式和过去分词 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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68
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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69
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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70
essentially
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| adv.本质上，实质上，基本上 | |
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71
browse
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| vi.随意翻阅，浏览；(牛、羊等)吃草 | |
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72
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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73
instinctively
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| adv.本能地 | |
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74
seclusion
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| n.隐遁，隔离 | |
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75
disturbance
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| n.动乱，骚动；打扰，干扰；(身心)失调 | |
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76
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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77
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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78
awakened
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| v.（使）醒( awaken的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）觉醒；弄醒；（使）意识到 | |
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79
circumference
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| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
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80
muskets
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| n.火枪，（尤指）滑膛枪( musket的名词复数 ) | |
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81
trampling
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| 踩( trample的现在分词 )； 践踏； 无视； 侵犯 | |
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82
ponderous
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| adj.沉重的，笨重的，(文章)冗长的 | |
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83
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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84
coconut
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| n.椰子 | |
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85
fiber
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| n.纤维，纤维质 | |
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86
proceedings
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| n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报 | |
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proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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88
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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89
malignity
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| n.极度的恶意，恶毒；（病的）恶性 | |
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90
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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91
binding
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| 有约束力的，有效的，应遵守的 | |
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92
sprawling
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| adj.蔓生的，不规则地伸展的v.伸开四肢坐[躺]( sprawl的现在分词 )；蔓延；杂乱无序地拓展；四肢伸展坐着（或躺着） | |
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93
writhing
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| （因极度痛苦而）扭动或翻滚( writhe的现在分词 ) | |
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94
spurn
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| v.拒绝，摈弃；n.轻视的拒绝；踢开 | |
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95
delicacies
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| n.棘手( delicacy的名词复数 )；精致；精美的食物；周到 | |
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96
morsels
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| n.一口( morsel的名词复数 )；（尤指食物）小块，碎屑 | |
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97
mellow
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| adj.柔和的；熟透的；v.变柔和；(使)成熟 | |
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98
flute
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| n.长笛；v.吹笛 | |
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99
soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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100
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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101
plaintive
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| adj.可怜的，伤心的 | |
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102
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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103
nooses
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| n.绞索，套索( noose的名词复数 ) | |
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104
retinue
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| n.侍从；随员 | |
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105
relishes
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| n.滋味( relish的名词复数 )；乐趣；（大量的）享受；快乐v.欣赏( relish的第三人称单数 )；从…获得乐趣；渴望 | |
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106
docile
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| adj.驯服的，易控制的，容易教的 | |
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107
luster
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| n.光辉；光泽，光亮；荣誉 | |
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108
rogue
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| n.流氓；v.游手好闲 | |
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109
rogues
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| n.流氓( rogue的名词复数 )；无赖；调皮捣蛋的人；离群的野兽 | |
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110
assailed
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| v.攻击( assail的过去式和过去分词 )；困扰；质问；毅然应对 | |
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111
sneaks
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| abbr.sneakers (tennis shoes) 胶底运动鞋（网球鞋）v.潜行( sneak的第三人称单数 )；偷偷溜走；（儿童向成人）打小报告；告状 | |
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112
applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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113
attachment
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| n.附属物，附件；依恋；依附 | |
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114
moroseness
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115
savageness
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| 天然，野蛮 | |
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116
noted
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| adj.著名的，知名的 | |
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117
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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118
slaughter
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| n.屠杀，屠宰；vt.屠杀，宰杀 | |
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119
narratives
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| 记叙文( narrative的名词复数 )； 故事； 叙述； 叙述部分 | |
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120
lamed
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| 希伯莱语第十二个字母 | |
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121
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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122
skull
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| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
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123
peculiar
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|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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124
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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125
despatch
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| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
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126
trickled
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| v.滴( trickle的过去式和过去分词 )；淌；使)慢慢走；缓慢移动 | |
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127
colossal
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|
| adj.异常的，庞大的 | |
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128
gore
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|
| n.凝血，血污；v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破；缝以补裆；顶 | |
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129
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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130
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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131
pangs
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| 突然的剧痛( pang的名词复数 )； 悲痛 | |
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132
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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133
muffled
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| adj.（声音）被隔的；听不太清的；（衣服）裹严的；蒙住的v.压抑，捂住( muffle的过去式和过去分词 )；用厚厚的衣帽包着（自己） | |
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134
incurred
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| [医]招致的，遭受的； incur的过去式 | |
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135
shambles
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| n.混乱之处；废墟 | |
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136
heroism
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| n.大无畏精神，英勇 | |
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137
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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138
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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139
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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140
interspersed
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| adj.[医]散开的；点缀的v.intersperse的过去式和过去分词 | |
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141
epithets
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| n.（表示性质、特征等的）词语( epithet的名词复数 ) | |
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142
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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143
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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144
lengthening
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| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的现在分词 )； 加长 | |
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145
accomplished
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|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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146
backbone
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| n.脊骨，脊柱，骨干；刚毅，骨气 | |
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147
refractory
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| adj.倔强的，难驾驭的 | |
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148
crook
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| v.使弯曲；n.小偷，骗子，贼；弯曲(处) | |
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149
pricked
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| 刺，扎，戳( prick的过去式和过去分词 )； 刺伤； 刺痛； 使剧痛 | |
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150
requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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151
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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152
pendulous
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| adj.下垂的；摆动的 | |
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153
inclination
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| n.倾斜；点头；弯腰；斜坡；倾度；倾向；爱好 | |
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154
tractability
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| 温顺，易处理，易加工的东西 | |
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155
resolute
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| adj.坚决的，果敢的 | |
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156
obstinate
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|
| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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157
permanently
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| adv.永恒地，永久地，固定不变地 | |
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158
sullen
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| adj.愠怒的，闷闷不乐的，(天气等)阴沉的 | |
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159
chastisement
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| n.惩罚 | |
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160
docility
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| n.容易教，易驾驶，驯服 | |
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161
implicitly
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| adv. 含蓄地, 暗中地, 毫不保留地 | |
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162
coercion
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| n.强制，高压统治 | |
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163
amenable
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| adj.经得起检验的；顺从的；对负有义务的 | |
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164
submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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165
irritability
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| n.易怒 | |
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166
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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167
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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168
demonstration
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| n.表明，示范，论证，示威 | |
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169
wagon
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| n.四轮马车，手推车，面包车；无盖运货列车 | |
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170
lumber
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|
| n.木材，木料；v.以破旧东西堆满；伐木；笨重移动 | |
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171
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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172
exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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173
uproot
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| v.连根拔起，拔除；根除，灭绝；赶出家园，被迫移开 | |
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174
thoroughly
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|
| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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175
purely
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| adv.纯粹地，完全地 | |
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176
deviation
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| n.背离，偏离；偏差，偏向；离题 | |
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177
derived
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| vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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178
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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179
nauseating
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|
| adj.令人恶心的，使人厌恶的v.使恶心，作呕( nauseate的现在分词 ) | |
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180
fortitude
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| n.坚忍不拔；刚毅 | |
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181
ulcers
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| n.溃疡( ulcer的名词复数 )；腐烂物；道德败坏；腐败 | |
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182
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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183
compliance
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| n.顺从；服从；附和；屈从 | |
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184
touching
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| adj.动人的，使人感伤的 | |
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185
incentive
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| n.刺激；动力；鼓励；诱因；动机 | |
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186
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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187
unwillingness
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| n. 不愿意，不情愿 | |
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188
anecdotes
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| n.掌故，趣闻，轶事( anecdote的名词复数 ) | |
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189
anecdote
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| n.轶事，趣闻，短故事 | |
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190
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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191
manifestations
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| n.表示，显示（manifestation的复数形式） | |
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192
dwellers
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| n.居民，居住者( dweller的名词复数 ) | |
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193
preying
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| v.掠食( prey的现在分词 )；掠食；折磨；（人）靠欺诈为生 | |
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194
molest
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| vt.骚扰，干扰，调戏 | |
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195
molested
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| v.骚扰( molest的过去式和过去分词 )；干扰；调戏；猥亵 | |
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196
antipathy
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| n.憎恶；反感，引起反感的人或事物 | |
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197
partially
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| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
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198
accustoms
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| v.（使）习惯于( accustom的第三人称单数 ) | |
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199
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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200
vertical
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| adj.垂直的，顶点的，纵向的；n.垂直物，垂直的位置 | |
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201
killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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202
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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203
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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204
dependence
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| n.依靠，依赖；信任，信赖；隶属 | |
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205
agility
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| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
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206
mincing
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| adj.矫饰的；v.切碎；切碎 | |
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207
ornamented
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| adj.花式字体的v.装饰，点缀，美化( ornament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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208
feat
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| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
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209
goblets
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| n.高脚酒杯( goblet的名词复数 ) | |
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210
awry
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| adj.扭曲的，错的 | |
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211
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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212
plank
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| n.板条，木板，政策要点，政纲条目 | |
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213
acrobat
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| n.特技演员，杂技演员 | |
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214
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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215
modifications
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| n.缓和( modification的名词复数 )；限制；更改；改变 | |
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216
labors
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| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
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217
persevering
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| a.坚忍不拔的 | |
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218
delicacy
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| n.精致，细微，微妙，精良；美味，佳肴 | |
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219
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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220
soda
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| n.苏打水；汽水 | |
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221
cork
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| n.软木，软木塞 | |
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222
squatted
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| v.像动物一样蹲下( squat的过去式和过去分词 )；非法擅自占用（土地或房屋）；为获得其所有权；而占用某片公共用地。 | |
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223
dexterously
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| adv.巧妙地，敏捷地 | |
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224
provender
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| n.刍草；秣料 | |
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225
catching
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| adj.易传染的，有魅力的，迷人的，接住 | |
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226
judicious
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| adj.明智的，明断的，能作出明智决定的 | |
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227
outlay
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| n.费用，经费，支出；v.花费 | |
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228
edibles
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| 可以吃的，可食用的( edible的名词复数 )； 食物 | |
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proprietors
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| n.所有人，业主( proprietor的名词复数 ) | |
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contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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231
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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232
invitingly
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| adv. 动人地 | |
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233
proboscis
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| n.（象的）长鼻 | |
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234
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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crestfallen
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| adj. 挫败的，失望的，沮丧的 | |
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