The Elephant 63 



formity with those to be expected of them, these probably 

 belong to the species at large, and may be displayed with 

 different degrees of violence whenever circumstances favor 

 their manifestation. 



The chief characteristics of elephants have been dis- 

 cussed, and an attempt has been made to place them in 

 their true light. The writer has not found the half-human 

 elephant in nature, nor does it appear from records that 

 any one else has done so. An elephant is a wild beast, 

 comparatively with others undeveloped by a severe struggle 

 for existence ; superficially changed in captivity, and cut 

 off from improvement by barrenness. It is capable of 

 receiving a considerable amount of instruction, and learns 

 quickly and well ; but how far its acquisitions are assimi- 

 lated and converted into faculty, is altogether uncertain. 

 In the savage state elephants do nothing that other animals 

 cannot do as well, and many of them better. Mere bulk, 

 and its accompaniment, strength, do not influence char- 

 acter in any definite manner that can be pointed out. 



In captivity, elephants are commonly obedient, partly 

 because, having never had any enemies to contend with, 

 they are naturally inoffensive, and partly for the reason 

 that these animals are easily overawed, very nervous, and 

 extremely liable to feelings of causeless apprehension. 



Courage in cold blood is certainly not one of their quali- 

 ties ; nevertheless, being amenable to discipline, and hav- 

 ing some sense of responsibility, certain elephants are 

 undoubtedly stanch both in war and the chase. 



This animal is easily excited, very irritable, prone to 

 take offence, and subject to fits of hysterical passion. 



