THE ASITATIC ELEPHANT, 203 
of one place of vantage until another is gained. Should no suitable projec- 
tion be found, the Elephant scrapes a hole in the ground with its advanced 
foot, and makes use of this artificial depression in its descent. If the declivity 
be very steep, the animal will not descend in a direct line, but make an 
oblique track along the face of the hill. Although the description of this 
curious process occupies some time, the actual feat is performed with extreme 
rapidity. 
Though the foot of an Elephant is extremely large, it is most admirably 
formed for the purpose which it is destined to fulfil, and does not, as might 
be supposed, fall heavily upon the ground. The hoof that incloses the foot is 
composed of a vast number of horny plates, that are arranged on the principle 
of the common carriage-spring, and seem to guard the animal from the jarring 
ASIATIC ELEPHANT.—(Llephas [ndicus.) 
shock of the heavy limb upon the soil. Those who for the first time witness 
the walk or the run of the Elephant are always surprised at the silent ease of 
the creature’s free, sweeping step. As there is no short ligament in the head 
of the thigh-bone, the hind foot is swung forward at each step, clearing the 
ground easily, but being scarcely raised above the surface of the earth. 
Having thus given a short sketch of the characteristics which are common 
to both species of Elephants, I will proceed to a short account of the Asiatic 
animal. 
Tue ASIATIC ELEPHANT bears a world-wide fame for its capabilities as a 
seivant and companion of man, and for the extraordinary development of 
