Page:Omniana 2.djvu/254

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244
OMNIANA.

In 1807, two tygers appeared on the Island of Salsette, and carried off nine persons. The inhabitants firmly believed that these beasts were not beasts, but two malicious spirits disguised under the forms of a royal tyger and tygress, with human countenances, and large gold rings in their noses and ears: this opinion prevailed so strongly, as to prevent them from attempting to destroy these destructive animals, though a large reward was offered, to induce them.

There is a wretched tribe in Hindostan called the Cad' Curuburu, some of whom watch the fields at night to keep off the elephants and wild boars. Their manner of driving away the elephant is by running against him with a burning torch, made of bamboos. The animal sometimes turns and waits till the Curuburu comes close up, but these poor people, taught by experience, push boldly on, and dash their torches against the elephant's head, who never fails to