TEMPERAMENT OF ELEPHANTS. 81 



hidden to remove it." Another writer on a captnre of elephants in Travan- 

 core says : " It may be interesting to mention a trait of one of the trained 

 elephants, which shows such a degree of intelligence and forethought that 

 it deserves to be placed on record. While the animals were being driven 

 towards the enclosure, one of the trained elej)hants, a large tusker, was ob- 

 served to pick up stones from tlie ground with his trunk, and hand tliem up 

 to his keeper on his neck. He did it in such a deliberate and matter-of- 

 fiict manner, that it was plain he comprehended perfectly the reason for which 

 stones were required." 



Such are the notions with which those with superficial acquaintance with 

 elephants fly away. I have seen the cream of trained elephants at work in 

 the catching-establishments in Mysore and Bengal ; I have managed them 

 myself, under all circumstances ; and I can say that I have never seen one 

 show any aptitude in dealing, undirected, with an unforeseen emergency. 

 I have a young riding-elephant at present, Soondargowry, often my only 

 shooting companion, which kneels, trumpets, hands up anything from the 

 ground, raises her trunk to break a branch, or passes under one in silence, 

 stops, backs, and does other things at understood hints as I sit on her pad ; 

 but no uninitiated looker-on would perceive that any intimation of what 

 is required passes between us. The driver's knees are placed behind an 

 elephant's ears as he sits on it, and it is by means of a push, pressure, and 

 other motions, that his wishes are communicated, as with the pressure of the 

 leg with trained horses in a circus. As well might performing dogs which 

 spell out replies to questions be credited with knowing what they are saying, 

 as elephants with appreciating tlie objects to be gained by much which they 

 do under the direction of the rider. 



So much for the intelligence of the elephant. Let us now consider its 

 temperament in captivity. I think all who have had to deal with elephants 

 will agree in saying that their good qualities cannot be exaggerated, and 

 that their vices are few, and only occur in exceptional animals. The not 

 uncommon idea that elephants are treacherous and retentive of an injury is 

 a groundless one. Male elephants are subject to periodical fits of must,''^ of 

 the approach of which, however, due warning is given, and during the con- 

 tinuance of which care is necessary in dealing with them, as they are quite 

 irresponsible for their actions. But at all other times the male elephant is 

 generally perfectly safe, rarely suddenly changeable in temper. Female 

 elephants are at all times the most perfect-tempered creatures in the world. 

 Amongst some hundreds which I have known, only two have had any 

 tricks. Of these, one would not allow herself to be ridden by a strange 



* This is treated of in Chapter VI. 

 F 



