THE ELEPHANT. 3 i 



feparated from the reft of the troop. Now that 

 fire has become the element of war, and the 

 chief inftrument of death, elephants, which are 

 terrified both at the noife and flame *, would be 

 more dangerous than ufeful in our combats. 

 The Indian Kings (till arm elephants in their 

 wars ; but this practice is defigned more for 

 mow than utility. One advantage, however, is 

 derived from them. Like every other military 

 order, they ferve the purpofe of enflaving their 

 equals, and are, accordingly, ufed in taming the 

 wild elephants. The mod powerful monarchs 

 of India have not now above two hundred war 

 elephants f. They keep many others for the 

 purpofes of labour, and for tranfporting their 

 women in large cages covered with foliage. It 

 is a very fafe mode of riding ; for the elephant 

 never Humbles : But, to be accuftomed to his 

 brifk and Twinging movements, requires time and 

 practice. The neck is the belt feat ; for there 



the 



* The elephants are afraid of fire ; and, therefore, fince 

 the ufe of fire-arms, thefe animals are of no value in war. 

 Some of thofe brought from Ceylon are not fo daftardly ; 

 but it is only after being daily accuftomed to the firing of 

 guns, and to having crackers thrown among their feet ; 

 Voyage de Fr. Bernier, torn. 2. p. 65. 



•f Few people in India have elephants. Even their nobles 

 have not many ; and the Great Mogul keeps not above five 

 hundred for his houfehold, and for tranfporting his baggage 

 and women, in wattled cages or bafkets. I have been affured, 

 that he has not above two hundred war elephants, part of 

 which are employed in carrying fmall pieces of artillery ,* 

 Relation d y un voyage, par Thevsnot, torn. $. $. 132. 



