WORK AND EXERCISE.                          25

ailments are traceable to the use of bad water. Elephants like
running water, and prefer to drink the water of tributary streams to
that of the large rivers. At all times the water offered should be
as sweet and clean as can be procured, though they are not averse
to drinking muddy water (wild ones have little else during the rainy
season). During the dry season good water-holes (such as the
Burmans dig for their own use) should be dug in the sandy beds of
streams ; failing these, well water must be given. On no account
are they to be permitted to drink from the tanks and pools used by
cattle. In their natural state they drink shortly after sunrise and
before sunset. Domestic animals ought to be watered at least twice
daily, three times when possible, namely, morning, midday and
evening. They should be watered about three-quarters of an hour
before they are fed. On the march if any animal attempts to drink,
although he be heated, he may be allowed to do so (this does not
apply to squirting water over the body). A lengthened hot march
(over seven hours) should not be attempted unless water is procur-
able on the way. When travelling with elephants during the hot
season, marches should be regulated in accordance with the
prospects of good water-supply.

                       WORK AND EXERCISE.

It is difficult to lay down fixed rules as to the amount of work
which may be exacted. This must necessarily depend in some
measure upon individual idiosyncrasies and constitution, which
can only be ascertained by the careful observation of those in
attendance (supervisors, etc.). What would undoubtedly prove
moderate work in one individual might prove excessive in another,
though to all appearances of equal size, age and condition. Again,
the early symptoms of failing vigour which should be recognized by
the mahouts are either not reported by them, or often after having
been reported are paid no heed to by those in authority. I can
call to mind instances in which an animal palpably suffering pain
and going lame was found working. Regrettable as it is, the
sufferings of an animal that may have toiled for years in his master's
cause and contributed materially to his fortunes are passed unnoticed.
Too often therefore it happens that an animal's energies are
overtaxed to such an extent that he suddenly breaks down. So far
as one can frame rules, I would strongly recommend that during the
hot weather, from 15th February to the breaking of the rains, no
animals should be worked in the open after 10 A.M., and never
before 3-30 P.M. Moreover they should never be worked more than