xiv Introduction 



class above that which any other domesticated 

 animal can hope to reach. 



But while the elephant has one thing in 

 common with other domestic animals, namely, 

 that his obedience and affection can be won 

 only with kindness, he also possesses the 

 characteristic of long-remembered resentment 

 for any wanton injury or insult. It is almost as 

 if the attitude of this animal towards man were 

 that of gratitude, expressed in willing service, 

 for kindness received, and intolerance of in- 

 justice. The natural ferocity inborn in all wild 

 animals, with whom self-preservation must be 

 the first law, is with him only latent. It may, 

 and sometimes does burst forth on occasions, 

 which on enquiry are often found to be almost 

 justifiable ; for here it is not a case of long- 

 descent from domesticated forefathers, but, as 

 a rule, a sudden change in the individual from 

 independence to slavery, which makes the 

 results attained even more astounding. 



There are vicious elephants, as there are 

 vicious horses and dogs. Such can never be 

 trained to the use of mankind. They are 



