H I observations of the elliptical galaxies NGC 2974 and NGC 5018

We present the results of λ-21 cm H I line observations of the elliptical galaxies NGC 2974 and NGC 5018, for which IRAS observations show strong 100 micron emission. H I was detected in NGC 2974 and marginally in NGC 5018. The distribution of the H I in NGC 2974 is regular and is consistent with a rotating disk or ring parallel to the galaxy's major axis; this stands out in contrast to most other ellipticals where the gas distribution is not aligned with the optical galaxy. The total mass of H I is ~7 x 10^8^ M_sun_ (D ~ 22.5h^-1^ Mpc), and the rotation velocity is ~360 km s^-1^. In the case of the shell galaxy NGC 5018, there is clear indication of interaction with its spiral companion NGC 5022-gas appears to be flowing between the spiral galaxy and NGC 5018. Several blobs of H I are marginally detected within a few arcminutes of the optical center of NGC 5018. Three other H I features, one not associated with any visible galaxy, are detected in the NGC 5018/5022 group. Despite the contrast in their surroundings, the isolated elliptical NGC 2974 and the group member NGC 5018 both contain cold interstellar matter.