344 ON THE 



all the articles of merchandize are transported: 

 from one part of India to another ; that whole 

 families are conveyed upon one single animal 

 upon the same rout ; and that whether in 

 drawing or carrying the most weighty articles, 

 he can travel at the rate of fifty miles a day, 

 over tracks of country, in which all other 

 beast of burden would sink under the exertion.* 

 Thus from his strength alone, it is calculated 

 that he can carry and draw more than six horses ; 

 and every part of him from the extremity of his 

 back to his trunk, is in some way or other called 

 into active utility. This noble animal therefore 

 has a peculiar claim upon our attention and gra- 

 titude ; since while he affords proofs the most 

 convincing, that Providence has in all instances 

 guarded against the inconveniences of locality,and 

 beyond doubt to each animal has allotted 

 some useful place according to the climate 

 and circumstances of the country which it 

 inhabits ; the services of the Elephant are in 

 every possible way of the most efficient charac- 

 ter, and such as in the present state of our Indian 

 settlements could not be dispensed with, but at 

 the loss of our commerce and probably of the 

 territory from which that commerce has been 

 derived. 



* The Arabian Camel is also used as a beast of burden in 

 India, but only for subordinate purposes, and where less expe- 

 dition is required. 



