256 THE ELEPHANT. 



general), but from behind, from which circumstance 

 they are not shed. Even the milk-grinders, which 

 are four in number (one grinder in each side of 

 either jaw), are completed soon after birth, and are 

 said to cut in about eight or ten days. 



Only one other animal, the wild hog of Guinea 

 (Sus JEtldopicus) , is believed to possess this pecu- 

 liar advantage ; and, as the completion of a case of 

 grinders requires a great number of years, it may 

 be inferred that it is an animal of great lon- 

 gevity. The structure of the tusks, moreover, of 

 this species of wild boar resembles that of the 

 elephant. 



When about five or six months old, the milk- 

 tusks (which are never large) of the young 

 elephant cut the gum. Between its first and second 

 year these are again shed, and, soon afterwards, 

 the permanent ones make their appearance. Like 

 the palm amongst trees, and the horns of certain 

 animals, the tusks of the elephant receive their in- 

 crease internally from a kind of core or pulp, in the 

 shape of circular layers of ivory. If the period ne- 

 cessary for the completion of one of these lamince 

 could be ascertained, a tolerably fair guess as to 

 the age of the animal might be formed. 



The usual pace of the elephant, when undis- 

 turbed, is a bold, free, sweeping walk. From the 

 spongy formation of his foot, his tread is exceedingly 

 light and quite inaudible; all his movements are 

 attended with a peculiar gentleness and grace ; his 

 whole appearance, when roaming in his native wilds, 

 is exceedingly grave and imposing. 



