The ElepJiant. 143 



almost entirely encased in the hoof, and are only partly 

 visible to outward inspection. 



The tusks of the elephant vary according to the sex, 

 age, and species of the animal, being most highly 

 developed in the male of the African variety. They 

 do not, as might be imagined, spring from the jaw 

 itself, but, like the teeth of the bottle-nosed whale, 

 proceed from a vascular formation found upon the 

 gums. 



The molar teeth appear to be formed of a number 

 of smaller teeth, which are closely fastened together, so 

 as to form a single large mass. These are set 

 obliquely in the jaws, and are gradually worn away by 

 constant use, fresh teeth taking their places as often as 

 required. In this manner, an elephant may have 

 seven or eight sets of teeth, each set increasing in size 

 in proportion to the growth of the animal. The 

 incisors, which are found in the upper jaw only, are 

 long and projecting ; the canines are altogether want- 

 ing. The size of the elephant is generally much 

 exaggerated, even a large animal seldom exceeding ten 

 feet in height, while the average is a foot or so less. 



The elephants of both continents alike are almost 

 invariably found in herds, varying considerably in point 

 of number, which are always under the guidance of 

 some old and experienced leader. They dwell in the 

 thickest forests, being seldom found at any great dis- 

 tance from water. 



During the drought of summer, of course, the 

 smaller streams often run dry. In such cases, the 

 reasoning powers of the animals come to their assist- 

 ance and the elephants, as Sir Samuel Haker tells us, in 

 his well-known work 'Eight Years in Ceylon,' 'make 

 use of their wonderful instinct by digging holes in the 

 dry sand of the river's bed ; this they perform with 

 the horny toes of their fore feet, and frequently work 



