WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY 
The veterinary surgeon and other authorities had come 
to the conclusion that the cause was some disease in the 
feet of the animal, and various remedies had been tried 
without success. 
An Indian officer who had been accustomed to the 
management of elephants had failed, after resorting to 
various plans and remedies, to relieve or abate the increase 
of the irritating and distressing symptoms. 
The Directors of the Society wrote a request that I 
should visit their Gardens with the view of asking and 
taking my opinion and advice as to what could be done 
for the poor animal. 
I need not say I accepted the invitation, and on my 
arrival at the Gardens I was met by the President and 
other officers and conducted to the house in which the 
animal was confined. The place was so dark that I found 
it impossible to make any careful examination of the 
animars feet. I therefore requested the keeper to lead 
the animal out into the open air ; the poor beast managed 
to walk with much difficulty and evidently in pain. Upon 
raising and examining the soles of the feet I at once 
plainly saw what was the cause of the mischief Turning 
to the keeper, I asked if there were any rats in the 
elephant-house. “Yes,” said he, “they are swarming!” 
Addressing the Directors, I said, “ Gentlemen, it is rats 
that are eating your elephant, the holes and teeth-marks 
resemble the teeth-marks made by rats in old cheese.” 
After advising what was to be done to immediately stay 
further injury I advised that a new house should be 
erected. My advice was taken into consideration and 
agreed to, the elephant soon recovered her health, and, 
for all I know, the animal is alive and well in the house 
built for her safe keeping. 
The fine female Indian elephant which had for several 
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