144 THE ELEPHANT. 



sagacity to avoid a snare into which they have, even 

 more thnn once, fallen. 



The Elephant, when tamed, becomes the most 

 gentle and most obedient of all domestic animals. 

 He is so fond of his keeper, that he carresses him, 

 and anticipates his commands. He soon learns to com- 

 prehend signs, and even to understand the expres- 

 sion of sounds. He distinguishes the tones of com- 

 mand, of anger, or of approbation, and regulates 

 his actions accordingly. He never mistakes the 

 voice of his master. He receives his orders with 

 attention, executes them with prudence and eager- 

 ness, but without any degree of precipitation ; for 

 his movements are always measured, and his charac- 

 ter seems to partake of the gravity of his bulk. He 

 easily learns to bend his knees for the accomoda- 

 tion of those who mount him. His friends he caresses 

 with his trunk ; salutes with it such people as are 

 pointed out to him, uses it for raising burthens, 

 and assists in loading- himself. He allows himself 

 to be clothed, and seems to have a pleasure in being 

 covered with gilded harness and brilliant housings. 

 He is employed in drawing chariots, ploughs, wag- 

 gons, &c. He draws steadily, and never turns res- 

 tive, provided he is not insulted with improper chas- 

 tisement, and that the people who labour with him 

 have the air of being pleased with the manner in 

 which he employs his strength. The man who 

 conducts him, generally rides on his neck, and uses 

 an iron rod, hooked at the end, or having there a 

 kind of bodkin, with which he pricks the head or 



