midday
Swartboy stated some curious facts about the great quadruped , -- at least , what he alleged to be facts . They were , -- that the elephant never attempts to lie down without having something to lean his shoulders against , -- a rock , an ant-hill , or a tree ; that he does this to prevent himself from rolling over on his back , -- that when he does by accident get into that position he has great difficulty in rising again , and is almost as helpless as a turtle ; and , lastly , that he often sleeps standing beside a tree with the whole weight of his body leaning against the trunk ! Swartboy did not think that he leans against the trunk when first taking up his position ; but that he seeks the tree for the shade it affords , and as sleep overcomes him he inclines towards it , finding that it steadies and rests him ! The Bushman stated , moreover , that some elephants have their favourite trees , to which they return again and again to take a nap during the hot midday hours , -- for that is their time of repose . At night they do not sleep . On the contrary , the hours of night are spent in ranging about , on journeys to the distant watering-places , and in feeding ; though in remote and quiet districts they also feed by day -- so that it is probable that most of their nocturnal activity is the result of their dread of their watchful enemy , man . Swartboy communicated these facts , as the hunters all together followed upon the spoor .