THE ELETHANT OF INDIA. 109 
into a number of arcs, of which the convex part 
is exterior, and the two ends adhere to the 
internal membrane ; and of transverse muscles, 
which stretch from the internal to the external 
membrane, like the rays of a circle. These last 
straiten the outward covering, without closing 
the internal canal, and by this action they lengthen 
the trunk, by forcing the longitudinal muscles to 
stretch themselves. The others by contracting 
shorten the trunk, either entirely when they are 
all brought into action, or in different parts, either 
on one or more sides at a time, in one or more 
portions of its length, and which produces various 
curves on several parts of its surface, either in a 
spiral direction, regularly or irregularly ; a 
mechanism at once simple and useful. At the 
extremity there is an appendage in the form of a 
finger, by which very small bodies can be raised ; 
and the whole organ displays one of the most 
beautiful instruments, remarkable for its sim- 
plicity, delicacy of sense and action, and for its 
strength. 
The general height of the Indian Elephant is 
from eight to ten feet ; that of the female, about 
seven or eight. Mr Scott, of Sinton, mentions 
one male as the largest he had heard of, twelve 
feet two inches high, from the crown of the head 
to the ground ; and at the shoulder, about ten feet 
five inches. The length was fifteen feet. But the 
