346 ON THE 



expressions of his countenance, or the wishes 

 conveyed by his hands ; so as by a word, a look, 

 or a sign, to produce that immediate execution 

 of an order, which in most other intelligent ani- 

 mals, requires a combination to have the same 

 effect. 



Thus he is taught to kneel down to receive 

 his load, or to use his proboscis to remove it 

 when already placed on his back ; to avoid wet 

 in the spot in which it is to be deposited ; or to 

 remove with his trunk any obstacle that may 

 stand iri his own way, or in that of his master ; 

 to unbar and open gates, or to untwist the 

 knots of ropes ; to loosen shoe buckles, or to 

 pick up the most minute article from the ground, 

 and to place it in the pocket of those who are 

 nearest to him, or to remove an article from the 

 pocket of one person and to place it in that of 

 another; to be guided without a bridle, by a 

 driver on his neck with only a pointed rod, or to 

 move even by words only, in any direction, or at 

 whatever place, his rider may think proper to 

 order, and to stop the moment he receives the 

 command, by the articulation of one short mono- 

 syllable only. 



Jn thus detailing the sagacity of the Elephant, 

 it is but right to mention that much difference 

 of opinion exists, as to the degree of intelligence 

 which ought to be attributed to that animal ; 

 some considering the actions of which he is ca- 



