The quality of the food, therefore, is no criterion of the quality of the flesh.
It is true that the beef of the elephant was not what Von Bloom and most of his family would have chosen for their regular diet.

Had they been sure of procuring a supply of antelope venison, the great carcass might have gone, not to the "dogs," but to their kindred the hyenas.

But they were not sure of getting even a single antelope, and therefore decided upon "curing" the elephant.

It would be a safe stock to have on hand, and need not interfere with their eating venison, or any other dainty that might turn up.
The first thing done was to cut out the tusks.

This proved a tough job, and occupied full two hours.