ELEPHANTS 79 
to bellow. In that case, I had the men lead him out 
to be shot, for I knew I should be wasting time in 
trying to break him. 
The opinion is generally held by those who have 
had the best opportunities of observing the elephant, 
that the popular estimate of its intelligence is a 
greatly exaggerated one; that instead of being the 
exceptionally wise animal it is believed to be, its 
sagacity is of a very mediocre description. Of the 
truth of this opinion no one who has lived amongst 
elephants can entertain a doubt. 
The elephant’s size and staid appearance, its 
gentleness, and the ease with which it performs 
various services with its trunk, have probably given 
rise to the exalted idea of its intellect. Amongst 
those not intimately acquainted with it, and it being 
but little known outside of its native countries, what 
is known of it justly make it a general favorite and 
leads to tales of intelligence being not only accepted 
without investigation, but welcomed with pleasure. 
One of the strongest features in the domesticated 
elephant’s character, is its obedience. It is also read-. 
ily taught, but its reasoning faculties are far below 
those of a dog, and possibly other animals, and in 
matters beyond the range of its daily experience, it 
evinces no special discernment; while quick at com- 
prehending anything taught to it, it is decidedly 
wanting in originality. 
Let us consider whether the elephant displays 
more intelligence in its wild state than other ani- 
