140 Anecdotal Natural Histoiy. 



age, which is of so delicate a nature that it can pluck 

 a single blade of grass if required. 



The proboscis is formed alike for strength and 

 flexibi.ity, and is provided with the enormous number 

 of fifty thousand distinct muscles, some running 

 longitudinally along the proboscis, while others radiate 

 from its centre. 



Upon the proboscis the entire nourishment of 

 the animal depends, and, were it deprived of that 

 organ, starvation would inevitably ensue. The short 

 and thick neck would prevent it from grazing, while 

 the long tusks would hinder it from devouring the 

 herbage which grew on a level with its body. Water, 

 also, could no longer be obtained, and thirst and 

 hunger combined would shortly end the sufferings of 

 the mutilated animal. 



In somewhat the same manner as the camel, the 

 elephant possesses the faculty of storing up water in the 

 interior of the body, and is, moreover, able to withdraw 

 it when required by means of the trunk, and sprinkle 

 it over the body, in order to cool the heated surface. 



The method of drinking is somewhat peculiar. 

 Inserting the tip of the trunk into the pool, the ani- 

 mal sucks a quantity into its cavities ; the proboscis is 

 then reversed, the end placed in the mouth, and the 

 fluid discharged down the throat. 



In providing food, too, the trunk answers much the 

 same purpose, first plucking the leaves, etc., and then 

 placing them in the mouth. 



The head and skull of the elephant are formed in a 

 very curious manner, affording a most wonderful ex- 

 ample of strength combined with lightness. The 

 former quality, of course, is indispensable, the enor- 

 mous weight of the tusks and proboscis necessitating 

 the provision of large and powerful muscles, while the 

 advantage of the latter is self-evident 



