THE ELEPHANT. 



Asiatic, or Indian Elephant. 



African Elephant 



Of the Elephant, whose form is familiar to every eye, two species are known, the Indian and the African. 

 The anatomy of this huge quadruped is well worthy of consideration. Its head and tusks are so very 

 heavy that no long neck would bear them ; the neck is therefore very short. This apparent defect is com- 

 pensated by the wonderful manner in which its upper lip and nose are elongated and rendered capable df 

 drawing up water or plucking grass. In the proboscis, or trunk, there are about forty thousand muscle' 

 enabling the Elephant to shorten, lengthen, coil up, or move in any direction this most extraordinary organ. 

 The trunk is pierced throughout its length by two canals, through which liquids can be drawn by suction. 

 If the Elephant wishes to drink, after drawing the liquid into its trunk it inserts the ends of the proboscis 

 into its mouth, and discharges the contents down its throat ; but if it merely wishes to wash itself or play, 

 it blows the contained liquid from the trunk with great violence. Through the trunk the curious trumpet- 

 like voice of the Elephant is produced. At the extremity is a finger-like appendage, with which it can 

 pick up small objects. The tusks and teeth of the Elephant furnish exceedingly fine ivory, which is used 

 for various purposes, such as knife handles, combs, billiard balls, &c. 



The Asiatic or Indian Elephant is a native of Bengal and other East Indian districts. The African 

 Elephant is distinguished from the Asiatic by the markings of its teeth, the great size of its ears, and some 

 difference in form. It is widely diffused through the vast forests of Africa, and is met with in herds of 

 various numbers. The male is very much larger than the female. He is provided with two enormous 

 tusks. These are long, tapering, and beautifully arched ; their length averages from six to eight feet, and 

 they weigh from sixty to a hundred pounds each 



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Indian Elephant. 



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Asiatic Elephant 



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