128 NATURALISTS CABINET. 



Utility of tame elephants. 



and owing to its sagacity and recollection, it may 

 be easily trained to almost any particular use. 

 He soon learns to comprehend signs, and even 

 to distinguish the tones of command, anger, or 

 approbation, which regulate his actions accord- 

 ingly. He never mistakes the voice of his mas- 

 ter, but receives his orders with attention ; and, 

 if properly treated, soon evinces the most affec- 

 tionate attachment; learns to bend his knees 

 for the accommodation of those who mount him; 

 allows himself to be clothed, and seems highly 

 gratified when covered with gilded harness and 

 brilliant trappings. When employed in drawing 

 chariots, waggons, &c. he draws steadily, ami 

 never turns restive, provided he is not insulted 

 with improper chastisement, and that the people 

 who labour with him have the air of being pleased 

 with the manner in which he employs his strength. 

 His cornac or conductor, generally rides on his 

 neck, and uses an iron rod, pointed at the end, 

 with which he pricks the head or sides of the 

 ears, in order to turn him, or to urge him for- 

 ward. But words are generally sufficient; espe- 

 cially if the animal has had time to become ac- 

 quainted with his conductor. 



One of these animals, in a state of domestica- 

 tion, performs more work than perhaps six hor- 

 ses; but he requires from his master much care, 

 and a great quantity of good victuals. 



The reader may form a tolerable notion of the 

 labour performed by these noble animals, if he 



