Chap. VI.] COXDUCT IN CAPTIVITY. 387 



the approaches to bridges, his ser\dces in an unopened 

 country are of the utmost importance. When roads are 

 to be constructed along the face of steep dechvities, and 

 the space is so contracted that risk is incurred either of 

 the elephant faUing over the precipice or of rocks shpping 

 dow^n from above, not only are the measures wliich he re- 

 sorts to the most judicious and reasonable that could 

 be devised, but if urged by his keeper to adopt any 

 other, he manifests a reluctance which shows that he 

 has balanced in his own mind the comparative ad- 

 vantages of each. He appears on all occasions to com- 

 prehend the purpose and object which he is expected to 

 promote, and hence he voluntarily executes a variety 

 of details without any guidance whatsoever from his 

 keeper. This is one characteristic in which the elephant 

 manifests a superiority over the horse ; although in 

 strength in proportion to his weight he does not equal 

 the latter. 



His minute motions when engrossed by such opera- 

 tions, the activity of his eye, and the earnestness of his 

 attitudes can only be comprehended by being seen. In 

 moving timber and masses of rock the trunk is the 

 instrument with which he mainly goes to work, but 

 those which have tusks turn them to account ; to get 

 a weighty stone out of a hollow he kneels down so as 

 to apply the pressure of his head to move it upwards, 

 then steadying it with one foot till he can raise himself, 

 lie apphes a fold of his trunk to shift it to its place, and 

 adjust it accurately in position : this done, he steps round 

 to view it on either side, and readjust it with due pre- 

 cision. He appears to gauge liis task by his eye, to 

 form a judgment whether the weight be proportionate to 

 his strength. If doubtful of his own power, he hesitates 

 and halts, and if urged against his will, he roars and 

 shows temper. 



In clearing an opening through forest land, the power 

 of the African elephant, and the strength ascribed to 

 liim by a recent traveller, as displayed in u[)rooting 



c c 2 



