THE LIVING WORLD. 
527 
ELEPHANTS. 
The Elephant {Elephas) by its wide distribution, if, as is proper, we include 
fossil forms, is one of the most striking exemplifications of the sequence of 
animal life, and of its various evolutions in accordance with changes in the 
conditions to which it succeeded. The elephant makes its appearance first during 
the period of gigantic forests and the rankest growths in the vegetable world. 
The fossil remains are found throughout the globe, with the exception of its insu¬ 
lar portions, and demonstrate that the now arctic and temperate regions were 
once tropical, and that the theory of the order of the earth’s development is correct. 
So, too, the fact that, their mission accomplished, the elephants gave way to 
orders qualified to succeed them, illustrates alike the methods and wise guid¬ 
ance of the Creator. 
The Maltese Pigmy (. Elephas melittensis ) once existed in abundance in the 
Island of Malta. It was about as large as a calf, and although the explanation 
MASTODON ANGUSTIDENS. 
of its diminutive size has not yet been certainly found, the presence of the 
fossil remains is very significant in its bearing upon the geological changes 
which scientists are convinced have taken place. The presence of this now 
extinct species in a region so far removed from the present habitat of its kind 
is likewise significant as a factor in the theory of genetic evolution, as 
announced in The Living World. Another Dwarf Fossil Elephant {Elephas 
falconeri ), while found in Malta, extends over into Italy. Although the elephant 
can swim, it is adverse to marine adventures, and hence it is reasonable to con¬ 
clude that in the palmy days of these two fossil forms the land was not, as 
now, separated by bodies of water, and the volcanic character of the Mediter¬ 
ranean region still further strengthens this conclusion. The new world, 
