II 
THE ELEPHANT 
45 
or propeller, is sufficient to ensure comparative 
obedience, but it would be impossible to direct the 
movements of an elephant by simple kindness with¬ 
out the power to inflict punishment. This fact alone 
will prove that the elephant does not serve man 
through affection, but that it is compelled through 
fear. It is curious to witness the absurd subjection 
of this mighty animal even by a child. I have fre¬ 
quently seen a small boy threaten a large elephant 
with a stick, and the animal has at once winced; 
and, curling the trunk between the legs, it has 
closed its eyes and exhibited every symptom 
of extreme terror when struck repeatedly upon the 
trunk and face. The male is generally more uncer¬ 
tain than the female. It would at first sight appear 
that for shooting purposes the bull elephant would 
be preferred for its greater strength and courage. 
There can be no doubt that a pair of long tusks is an 
important protection, and not only forms a defence 
against the attack of a tiger or other animal, but is 
valuable for offensive purposes; yet, notwithstanding 
this advantage, the female is generally preferred to 
the male, as being more docile and obedient. 
The males differ in character, but they are mostly 
uncertain in temper during a period varying from 
two to four months every year. At such occurrences 
of disturbance the animal requires careful treatment, 
and the chains which shackle the fore legs should be 
of undoubted quality. Some elephants remain passive 
throughout the year, while others appear to be 
thoroughly demented, and, although at other seasons 
