Mr. Corse’s Observations on the 
48 
heat, the parts of generation show it, by an unusual fulness of 
the labia ; and, if she is placed near a male, she endeavours, by 
caresses, to excite his desires.* 
After the female had been covered by the male, as has 
been just related, there being then no other female ready, he 
was placed with an elephant which had had a young one 
about four years before this, and some months ago was re- 
ported to have been in heat. It was thought, after some trial, 
that she was likely to permit him to cover, as she caressed him 
occasionally, and roused his passions ; but she would not allow 
him to gratify his desire. 
The drivers, tired of this coyness, and stimulated perhaps 
by the hopes of another gratuity, were so brutal as to tie her, 
and let the male make an attempt upon her, while tied. His 
attempt, however, was to no purpose ; though he continued his 
efforts till he appeared to be quite exhausted. This being told 
me, I severely reprimanded the people ; and ordered the female 
to be left at full liberty to reject or receive the male, as she 
might think proper. 
Here, however, was positive proof, that the male would have 
effected his purpose by force, when he found he could not 
obtain it any other way. He remained at Comillah till Oc- 
tober, 1793, without my being able to procure a female that 
was in heat ; he was then sent to Calcutta. 
I now became extremely solicitous about the health of the 
* It may be proper to observe, that the penis of a full grown elephant is from two 
feet four to two feet six inches in length, and from fourteen to sixteen inches in cir- 
cumference. I caused the penis of two males to be measured, after their passions were 
excited, in order to ascertain the real size. On some occasions, I have seen the penis 
absolutely touch the ground, when the elephant has been walking ; but it must be re- 
collected, that the hind legs of an elephant are very short, in proportion to his size. 
