CHAPTER III 
THE ELEPHANT (continued) 
The foregoing chapter is sufficient to explain the 
ferocity of the male elephant at certain seasons which 
periodically affect the nervous system. It would be 
easy to multiply examples of this cerebral excitement, 
but such repetitions are unnecessary. The fact re¬ 
mains that the sexes differ materially in character, 
and that for general purposes the female is preferred 
in a domesticated state, although the male tusker 
is far more powerful, and when thoroughly trust¬ 
worthy is capable of self-defence against attack, 
and of energy in work that would render it superior 
to the gentler but inferior female.^ 
It may be inferred that a grand specimen of a 
male elephant is of rare occurrence. A creature that 
combines perfection of form with a firm but amiable 
disposition, and is free from the timidity which 
unfortunately distinguishes the race, may be quite 
invaluable to any resident in India. The actual 
monetary value of an elephant must of necessity be 
1 The female differs from other quadrupeds in the position of her 
teats, which are situated upon the breast between the fore legs. She 
is in the habit of caressing her calf with her trunk during the 
operation of suckling. 
