Cuap. IIL] THE ELEPHANT. 133 
the coast, intending to take a short cut through the 
forest, to his destination. He not only miscalculated 
the distance, but, on the approach of nightfall; he was 
chased by a vicious rogue elephant. The pursuer was 
nearly upon him, when, to gain time, he flung down a 
small dressing-case, which he happened to be carrying, 
The device was successful; the elephant halted and 
minutely examined its contents, and thus gave the 
colonel time to effect his escipe.! 
As regards the general sagacity of the elephant; al- 
though it has not been over-rated in the instances of 
those whose powers have been largely developed in 
captivity, an undue estimate has been formed in rela+ 
tion to them whilst still untamed. The difference of 
instincts and habits renders it difficult to institute a just 
comparison between them and other animals. Cuvier? 
is disposed to ascribe the exalted idea that prevails of 
their intellect to the feats which an elephant performs 
with that unique instrument, its trunk, combined with 
an imposing expression of countenance: but he records 
his own conviction that in sagacity it in no way excels 
the dog, and some other species of Carnivora. If there 
be a superiority, I am disposed to award it to the dog, 
not from any excess of natural capacity, but from the 
1 The Colombo Observer for 
March 1858, contains an offer of a 
reward of twenty-five guineas for 
the destruction of an elephant which 
infested the Rajawallé coffee plan- 
tation, in the vicinity of Kandy. 
Its object seemed to be less the 
search for food, than the satisfying 
of its curiosity and the gratifica- 
tion of its passion for mischief. 
Mr. Tyrter, the proprietor, states 
that it frequented the jungle near 
the estate, whence it was its cus- 
tom to sally forth at night for the 
pleasure of pulling down buildings 
and trees, ‘and it seemed to have 
taken a spite at the pipes of the. 
water-works, the pillars of which 
it several times broke down — its. 
latest fancy being to wrench off the 
taps.” This elephant has since 
been shot. 
? Cuvimr, Régne Animal. 
Mammiféres,” p. 280. 
“Les 
K 3 
