CHAPTER II 
THE ELEPHANT {eLEPHAS) 
This animal has interested mankind more than 
any other, owing to the peculiar combination of 
immense proportions with extraordinary sagacity. 
The question has frequently been raised “Whether 
the elephant or the dog should be accepted as 
superior in intelligence ?” My own experience 
would decide without hesitation—The Dog is man’s 
companion ; the Elephant is his slave. 
We all know the attachment and fidelity of the 
dog, who appears to have been created specially to 
become the friend of the human race. He attaches 
himself equally to the poor man and the rich, and 
shares our fortunes “for better, for worse,” clinging 
with heroic loyalty to his master when all other 
friends may have abandoned him. The power of 
memory is wonderfully exhibited, considering the 
shortness of life which Nature, by some mischance, 
has accorded to man’s best friend. 
“ While thus Florinda spake, the dog who lay 
Before Rusilla’s feet, eyeing him long 
And wistfully, had recognised at length. 
