ELEPHANT. 
138 
three years, and that she brings forth but one at 
a time ; but he does not inform ns of the manner 
in which it' was possible for him to have his in- 
formation. From authorities equally doubtful 
we learn, that the little one is about as large as a 
wild boar the instant it is brought forth ; that 
its tusks do not yet appear $ but that all the rest 
of its teeth are apparent ; that at the age of six 
months, it is as large as an ox, and its tusks pret- 
ty well grown ; and that it continues in this mari- 
ner, for near thirty years, advancing to maturity. 
All this is doubtful ; but it is certain that, in 
order to recruit the numbers which are consumed 
in war, the princes of the East are every year 
obliged to send into the forests, and to use various 
methods to procure a fresh supply. Of all these 
numerous bands, there is not one that has not 
been originally wild ; nor one that has not been 
forced into a state of subjection. Men themselves 
are often content to propagate a race of slaves, 
that pass down in this wretched state through 
successive generations ; but the elephant, under 
subjection, is unalterably barren ; perhaps from 
some physical causes, which are as yet unknown. 
As the modes of taking this animal, and ren- 
dering it submissive to human authority, merit 
particular attention, I shall, in a cursory manner, 
describe those pursued by the inhabitants of a 
few of the different countries of the East. 
At Tepura, in the East Indies, the manner 
of securing a single male, is very different from 
that employed in taking a herd. In the former 
case, which I shall first mention, the animal is 
taken by means of koomkees, or female elephants, 
trained for the purpose ; whereas in the latter case 
they are driven into a strong inclosure. 
As the hunters know the places where the ele- 
phants come out to feed, they advance towards 
