ASIATIC ELEPHANTS SPORTING. 
“ in the books.” I may add an instance in which it being necessary for the draught 
elephants to ascend a hill by a temporary stairway, the pioneer refused to tread 
upon any plank until he had tested its security, and in case of doubt, compelled 
the builders to reconstruct their work. Upon safe arrival on the cliff, the ele¬ 
phant gambolled about as if indicating that he was well through with a hazardous 
undertaking. A smaller elephant followed, and the pioneer watched his progress 
with the most unflagging interest, and as the climber approached the top, reached 
538 THE SAVAGE WORLD. 
■ • v - " . \ 
being is, to^some extent at least, tne creature of its temperament, surrounding 
and training. Many stories are related to illustrate the affection and kindness 
manifested by wild elephants by surrounding and protecting the bull whose tusks 
exposed him to the cupidity of the hunter; instances, too, are numerous in which 
members of a herd have supported and assisted one of their number which had 
been wounded. 
The elephant’s knowledge of its own bulkiness, and its prudence in testing the 
solidity of stairways, bridges and similar structures, have been spoken of frequently 
