Chap. III.] 



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 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. Cuvier 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-five guineas for pleasure of pulling down buildings 



the destruction of an elephantwhich and trees, " and it seemed to have 



infested the Kajawalle 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. Tytler, the proprietor, states 2 Cuvier, Regne Animal, "lies 



that it frequented the jungle near Mammiferes," p. 280. 



K 3 



