THE ELEPHANT. 



THE Elephant is the largest of existing animals, and no 

 doubt he appears to you very clumsy ; yet he is very ac- 

 tive, and able to do many things with much neatness. If 

 you hold sixpence in your hand, he will take it with his 

 large trunk, and place it where his keeper tells him. With 

 the same trunk he is able to tear up trees, and to strike so 

 hard a blow as would kill a man. They are usually of a 

 dark slate color, but a very few are white, and some are 

 red. The eyes of these animals are very small, but sensi- 

 ble and lively, having at times a sentimental and pathetic 

 expression. His ordinary food is grains and vegetables of 

 various kinds. His tusks, which are a great article of 

 commerce, are situated on each side of the upper jaw, and 

 are used as weapons of defence. His extreme docility 

 makes him easily tamed, and numerous accounts are 

 given of his sagacity when domesticated. We might al- 

 most suppose that he possessed the faculty of reasoning. He 

 is also susceptible of gratitude, capable of strong attachment, 

 and serves his master with zeal, intelligence, and fidelity. 



A striking instance of this once took place in India, where 

 some of these animals were employed in launching ships. 

 An Elephant was employed to force a large vessel into the 

 water ; the work proved too much for his strength, though 

 lie made great efforts. These, however, his keeper affected 

 to tUrspise. " Take away this lazy beast," said he, " and 



