VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
75 
and at the junction with the head, for scabs or ulcerated sores; 
the extremities of the ears for any disease or remains of one, or 
any in the ear-holes. 
Next the spine for saddle galls, warts, &c.; the withers for 
galls, &c., and shoulder and loins for the same. 
The feet .—If the toes are much worn, it is a sign the elephant 
is a good worker, but you must see there is no injury, or disease, 
or deformity, that the cushion is healthy and soft, and not cracked 
or having traces of old injuries. 
The belly is examined for remains of old scars or recent ones ; 
the tail for disease and age, or traces of disease. If aged, this 
latter would have little or no hair on it and be hard and caked. 
Age .—An elephant's age is to be judged of by his general 
appearance and height (according to the sex and breed), and the 
condition of the tusks. It is impossible almost to judge of age 
by the teeth unless the animal is dead. 
About thirty-five to forty years old an elephant would begin to 
look lean about the head, hollow above the eyes and sides of the 
cheeks; have drawn-down wrinkles under the eyes, and the hair 
or bristles be worn down shorter over the face or body. It is in¬ 
dispensable to first of all ascertain vdiat state of health the animal 
is in, and then to see him move over the ground, first with his 
keeper and then with a stranger, to ascertain if he be tractable 
and docile. 
I will not further enlarge on the particulars necessary to be 
observed in determining the choice of one of these invaluable 
animals for purposes of real hard work. Indeed I too sensibly 
feel that I have already trespassed upon your patience and 
indulgence in an unwarrantable degree, and I will now abruptly 
close, with the offer of my grateful thanks for the kind attention 
winch you have been pleased to give to the reading of my essay. 
I am, 
Mr. President and Gentlemen, 
Your most obedient servant. 
The Essayist. 
