HARDWOOD TIMBERS FROM ASIATIC SOURCES 93 
converted into logs, planks, boards and scantlings to 
suit the needs of consumers in the various markets for 
which the wood is destined. 
Here again the elephant, the animal with the 
smallest brain, in comparison to its size, of all existing 
beasts, is brought into use, his uncanny intelligence 
and his great strength making him indispensable. 
Some facts from these localities in regard to the 
latter qualities possessed by the animal are interesting. 
As regards strength, the elephants are reported as 
being able to lift on their tusks, with comparative ease, 
a log weighing half a ton, and to drag, when sufficient 
hold is obtained, a trunk weighing 3 tons. But to. 
realise their power, of which they appear to be proud, 
one has, it is said, to see them at work in the jungles 
and creeks when launching the trees into the rivers. 
Here, sometimes, when elephant and log are buried in 
soft mud, the animal has tasks which bring out his 
capabilities, and his qualities are seen to their best 
advantage. It is related that some years ago a tug of 
war was tried at Moulmein between an animal belonging 
to the Forest Department and Sepoys attached to a 
Madras regiment: it took, it is recorded, 130 men to 
hold the elephant. 
With a mahout, or keeper, on his back he practically 
does all the heavy labour at the mills, picking up 
great logs with his trunk, conveying them to the 
machinery, and piling them afterwards as intelligently 
and effectually as a pile-stacker in a London dock. 
They are most regular and methodical in their habits, 
and in one respect similar to human labourers, it 
being said that, when the bell proclaiming the time for 
leaving work is heard, no temptation. whatever will 
induce them to continue, even if they are in the course 
of piling a log. 
