On Elephantine Bones. 23 



you have devoted so much, and such successful, atten- 

 tion. 



Without further delay, I hasten to inform you of a 

 recent discovery relative to the Mammoth*, or Ameri- 

 can Elephant. If the facts be as I state them, I think 

 you will not hesitate to consider the discovery one of 

 the most interesting that has been made for a long time. 

 I may add, that such a discovery was hardly to be ex- 

 pected, by the most sanguine or enthusiastic zoologist. 



Very lately, in digging a well, near a salt-lick, in the 

 county of Wythe, in Virginia, after penetrating about 

 five feet and a half below the surface of the soil, the 

 workmen struck upon the stomach of one of those huge 

 animals, best known, in the United- States, by the name 

 of the Mammoth. The contents of the viscus were 

 carefully examined, and were found to be " in a state 

 of perfect preservation." They consisted of half- masti- 

 cated reeds (a species of Arundo, or Arundinaria, still 

 common in Virginia, and other parts of the United- 

 States), of twigs of trees, and of grass, or leaves. — 

 " There could (says my informant) be no deception on 

 the subject. The substances were designated by obvi- 

 ous characters, which could not be mistaken, and of 

 which every one could judge : besides, the bones of the 



* In compliance with the usage of my countrymen, I call this 

 animal Mammoth, or Mammouth, though I well know, that this 

 appellation is more properly bestowed upon another species of 

 Elephant, the remains of which are very numerous in various parts 

 of Asia : the Elephas primigenius of my excellent friend Profes- 

 sor lilumenbach, and your Elephas Mammonteus. 



