68 The Wild Elephant. 



As regards the general sagacity of the elephant, al- 

 though it has not been over-rated in the instances of 

 those whose powers have been largely developed in 

 captivity, an undue estimate has been formed in rela- 

 tion to them whilst still untamed. The difference of 

 instincts and habits renders it difficult to institute a just 

 comparison between them and other animals. CuvierI 

 is disposed to ascribe the exalted idea that prevails of 

 their intellect to the feats which an elephant performs 

 with that unique instrument, its trunk, combined with 

 an imposing expression of countenance : but he records 

 his own conviction that in sagacity it in no way excels 

 the dog, and some other species of Carnivora. If there 

 be a superiority, I am disposed to award it to the dog, 

 not from any excess of natural capacity, but from the 

 higher degree of development consequent on his more 

 intimate domestication and association with man. Cole- 

 ridge has remarked that " the ant and the bee seem to 

 come nearer to man in understanding, and in the faculty 

 of adapting means to proximate ends." ^ 



One remarkable fact was called to my attention by a 

 gentleman who resided on a coffee plantation at Rassawe, 

 one of the loftiest mountains of the Ambogammoa range. 

 More than once during the terrific thunder-bursts that 

 precede the rains at the change of each monsoon, he ob- 



the proprietor, states that it frequented times broke down — its latest fancy 



the jungle near the estate, whence it being to wrench off the taps." This 



was its custom to sally forth at night elephant has since been shot. 



for the pleasure of pulling down build- ' Cuvier, Reg7ie Anhnul. " Le^ 



ings and trees, "and it seemed to have Mammiferes," p. 280. 



taken a spite at the pipes of the water- - Table Talk, p. 63. 



works, the pillars of which it several 



