158 THE GREAT THICK-SKINNED ANIMALS 
truth the case, for the tip of the proboscis is as sensitive as our own 
fingers, and is, moreover, furnished with two small projections which 
act in very much the same manner as a finger and thumb. 
So powerful are the muscles of the trunk that an elephant can 
pick up a large and heavy log, raise it high in the air, and hurl it with 
great force to the ground, although its weight might be so great that 
a strong man could hardly move it. 
Through the whole length of the trunk run the nostrils, and it is 
ELEPHANT HUNTING IN THE FOREST 
by the aid of these that the elephant is able to drink. When an 
elephant feels thirsty, he plunges the end of his trunk into the water, 
and draws in his breath until the nostrils are filled, just in the same 
manner, in fact, as a syringe is charged by drawing out the handle. 
Then the trunk is curled up, the tip placed in the mouth, and the 
water forced down the throat, the process being repeated as often as 
necessary. 
Food is taken in much the same maner, excepting of course, 
that the nostrils are not employed. Small articles, such as fruit, 
