ELEPHANTS 79 



to bellow. In that case, I had the men lead him out 

 to be shot, for I knew I should be wasting time in 

 trying to break him. 



The opinion is generally held by those who have 

 had the best opportunities of observing the elephant, 

 that the popular estimate of its intelligence is a 

 greatly exaggerated one; that instead of being the 

 exceptionally wise animal it is believed to be, its 

 sagacity is of a very mediocre description. Of the 

 truth of this opinion no one who has lived amongst 

 elephants can entertain a doubt. 



The elephant's size and staid appearance, its 

 gentleness, and the ease with which it performs 

 various services with its trunk, have probably given 

 rise to the exalted idea of its intellect. Amongst 

 those not intimately acquainted with it, and it being 

 but little known outside of its native countries, what 

 is known of it justly make it a general favorite and 

 leads to tales of intelligence being not only accepted 

 without investigation, but welcomed with pleasure. 



One of the strongest features in the domesticated 

 elephant's character, is its obedience. It is also read- 

 ily taught, but its reasoning faculties are far below 

 those of a dog, and possibly other animals, and in 

 matters beyond the range of its daily experience, it 

 evinces no special discernment ; while quick at com- 

 prehending anything taught to it, it is decidedly 

 wanting in originality. 



Let us consider whether the elephant displays 

 more intelligence in its wild state than other ani- 



