450)18-7

the webbed strap around the forepart of the front legs appear to me to be the
most direct contact with the body. Two lengths of steel chain continue back—
wards from the wed strap and are usea vo tie onto the 1ogs. ihe driver sevs
upon wine neck and shoulders and controls the movement and direction by mani-
pulation of his feet which are placed on the ear bones behind the ear proper.
The several ropes around dis neck allow a more
secure foot support. Occaisionally one will use
a single looped stirup to accommodate the foot.
After depositiong the log in the collecting

area the chain is disconnected and is left to

 

trail mee obstacles along the way back into the jungle. The log trail
takes the shape of the log surface being concave in outline and sufficiently
wet or damp to make the pulling easier. Even with these large logs the job
appeats to be accomplished with out effort. The logs (Hindustani-Howlong ?)

average 24 feet in thickness and 12 to 15 feet long weighing probably + ons
or less. ach log carries a serial number and ir Das is held responsible for

recording those logs placed on the flat cars. After 40 or 50 such logs are
deposited ag the collecting area the larger and better trained loading eleph-
ants continue with the act while the other elephants shift to an alternate

area to build up another store. These loading animals are indeec unique and
are certainly an evolutionary triumph in my estimation. I can not recall of
ever seeing any animal with greater wisdom or animal intelligence. After watch-
these animals for five or ten minutes you are forecfully impressed with certain
qualities of mind that no other animal seems to possess or at least in such a
degree. He carries such a graceful dignity too in his slow and steady pace and
such a perfect pose when just standing or resting. All such actions are so
graceful and deliberate particularily when they kneel down to grasp a log or

in lifting a log with his foot. Also they have, in spite of their agreeablness,

a rich pygnacity in their make-up as expressed occaisionally when beaten too