HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. IQI 



sufficient to stimulate him to the most violent 

 exertions. His attachment to his keeper is so 

 great, that he caresses him with his trunk, and 

 frequently will obey no other master : he knows his 

 voice, and can distinguish the tone of command, of 

 anger, or of approbation, and regulates his actions 

 accordingly: he receives his orders with attention, 

 and executes them with eagerness, but without 

 precipitation. All his motions are orderly, and 

 seem to correspond with the dignity of his appear- 

 ance, being grave, majestic, and cautious. He 

 kneels down for the accommodation of those who 

 would mount upon his back, and with his pliant 

 trunk even assists them to ascend. He suffers 

 himself to be harnessed, and seems to have a 

 pleasure in the finery of his trappings. He is used 

 in drawing chariots, Avaggons, and various kinds 

 of machines. One of them will perform with ease 

 the work of many Horses. 



The conductor of the Elephant is usually mount- 

 ed on its neck, and makes Use of a rod of iron, 

 sharp at the end, and hooked; with which he urges 

 the animal forward, by pricking its head, ears, or 

 muzzle: but in general, a word from the keeper is 

 sufficient to encourage this intelligent creature to 

 proceed on its way, or perform the task assigned to 

 it. In India, where they were once employed in 

 launching ships, one of them was directed to force 

 a large vessel into the water, which proving supe- 

 rior to its strength, the master, in an angry tone, 

 cried out, "Take away that lazy beast, and bring 

 another in its place." The poor animal instantly 

 redoubled its efforts, fractured its skull, and died 

 upon the spot. 



The Indians, from very early periods, have em- 



