FILIAL AFFECTION. 
279 
If, therefore, the above measurements are applied 
to the general growth of the elephant, due allowance 
must be made for irregularity in the growth of the 
female during pregnancy. 
It has been said that the female elephant shows 
much tenderness for her progeny; and it must be 
admitted there are many instances on record tend¬ 
ing to show that this is the case. I, for my part, 
however,.cannot confirm the statement, as my own 
small experiences tend rather the other way. On a 
certain occasion, indeed, I remember that one of 
mv native servants stabbed a calf to death in 
the presence of the mother, and though the poor 
creature cried most piteously, the dam allowed her¬ 
self to be driven off by two or three cowardly dogs. 
My friend, Frederick Green, would seem to be 
pretty much of the same way of thinking as myself in 
regard to this matter. “ The female elephant, 55 he 
writes me, “ does not appear to have that affection 
for her offspring which one would be led to suppose. 
It is a common occurrence to find calves in pit-falls, 
whom the mothers, had they been so minded, might 
easily have liberated. To judge from the appear¬ 
ance of the surrounding ground, indeed, they would 
not appear even to have attempted to rescue them. 55 
But whether or not the mother evinces special 
regard for her offspring, certain it is that the latter 
is tenderly fond of its dam. Captain Harris relates 
a very touching instance to this effect. 
“ Not an elephant, 55 says this enthusiastic sports¬ 
man, “ was to be seen on the ground that was yes¬ 
terday teeming with them; but, on reaching the 
