Mr. Corse’s. Observations on the 
been trying to get nearer the female. On this, I proceeded to 
the spot, with my friend Captain Robert Burke Gregory: 
when we arrived, I ordered the male to be freed from his 
shackles ; and, after some toying* and a few mutual caresses, we 
had the satisfaction to see him cover the female. 
When the male mounted, he placed one of his fore-legs on each 
side of her spine, with his feet turned to, and pressing against, her 
shoulders, and his trunk over her forehead ; supporting himself 
firmly in this situation, during coition, which he continued nearly 
the same time, and in the same manner, as a horse with a mare. 
The female remained perfectly still, during the coitus. When 
the male had finished, he stood quietly by her side, while she 
caressed him with her trunk; and, as they then appeared well 
pleased, and gentle as usual, I went up and patted them both, as 
I had formerly been accustomed to do, without the smallest ap- 
prehension. In the evening, they were brought home to be fed ; 
and, though only a few hours had elapsed since his last em- 
brace, the male seemed inclined to make another attempt; to 
which I would have consented, to gratify a crowd of people 
then present, had I not now learned, that lie had covered the 
female in the open plain, about ten in the morning, when going 
out for food, in spite of the exertions of the drivers and attend- 
ants ; at least so they alleged, in excuse for having permitted 
it, contrary to my orders. As he had already covered four times 
in about sixteen hours, I was afraid a further indulgence might 
be prejudicial, and therefore would not permit it; especially as 
Mr. Imhoff, to whom he then belonged, was absent. That 
gentleman, however, returned two days after; but, when the 
two elephants were' brought together, in order that Mr. 
Imhoff’s curiosity might be indulged with so novel a sight, the 
