THE ELEPHANT. 
225 
On which they sit cross-legged. Those used by 
Europeans are like the body of a gig, some 
having a hood, and a high splash-board in 
front, against which they lean when standing. 
The smaller elephants are sometimes ridden 
'vith a saddle and stirrups. Others have a 
large pad, on which six or eight persons sit, 
®ome astride and some sideways. From this 
pad the natives descend by means of a rope. 
Among the moral qualities of animals, 
Scarcely any are of a higher order, or a more 
>ticomprehensible character, than the docility 
'^f the baggage elephants of Asia, especially 
®f Hindostan and Ceylon. At the mere bid- 
ding of its mahout, or driver, it kneels down 
be laden ; it lifts its master with its trunk 
’•do his seat, or prepares a step by which he 
’••ay mount to it by bending the joint of the hind 
If any loose cloths or cords happen to 
frll from its back, it will, with more than 
^••nine facility, pick them up to be re-packed, 
VOL. I. Q 
