Chap. III.] 
THE ELEPHANT. 
133 
the coast, intending to take a short cut through the 
f crest, 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 escape. 1 
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. Cuviek 2 
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 the estate, whence it was its cus- 
March 1858, contains an offer of a torn to sally forth at night for the 
reward of twenty-fire guineas for pleasure of pulling down huildings 
the destruction of an elephantwhich and trees, " and it seemed to have 
infested the Rajawalle coffee plan- taken a spite at the pipes of the 
tation, in the vicinity of Kandy. water-works, the pillars of which 
Its object seemed to be less the it several times broke down — its 
search for food, than the satisfying latest fancy being to wrench off the 
of its curiosity and the gratifica- taps." This elephant has since 
tion of its passion for mischief, been shot. 
Mr. Tytlee, the proprietor, states 2 Ctjvtek, Regne Animal. "Les 
that it frequented the jungle near Mammiferes," p. 280. 
K 3 
