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XIII. Observations on the different Species of Asiatic Elephants , 
and their Mode of Dentition. By John Corse, Esq. Commu- 
nicated by the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, Bart . K. B. 
P. R. S. 
Read May 23, 1799. 
Having already communicated some particulars respecting 
the manners and habits of the elephant, which have been fa- 
vourably received by the Royal Society, I trust the following 
observations, chiefly on the dentition of this useful animal, will 
not be deemed unworthy of their attention. 
Before I enter on this new and curious subject, I think it 
will be proper to premise a few general observations on the 
various casts * of the Asiatic elephant, and also on the tusks ; as 
the form and size of these give a diversity of appearance, which 
may be considered as forming varieties of the same species of 
elephant. 
Both males and females are divided into two casts, by the 
natives of Bengal, viz. the koomareah-f and the merghee ;J and 
this, without any regard to the appearance, shape, or size of 
* Zat is the word used by the natives. 
f Koomareah signifies of a princely race ; being derived from koomarab, a prince, 
or king’s son. 
X Mergbee, properly mrigee^_ from mrigab , a deer, or hunting, signifies an ele- 
phant used in hunting ; or it is so called from its slender make. 
mdccxcix. E e 
