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CHAP. II

THE ELEPHANT

Its Structure.

• Vast numbers in Ceylon 75
• Derivation of the word "elephant" (note) 76
• Antiquity of the trade in elephants 77
• Numbers now diminishing 77
• Mischief done by them to crops 77
• Ivory scarce in Ceylon 78
• Conjectures as to the absence of tusks 79
• Elephant a harmless animal 81
• Alleged antipathies to other animals 82
• Fights with each other 86
• The foot its chief weapon 87
• Use of the tusks in a wild state doubtful 88
• Anecdote of sagacity in an elephant at Kandy 89
• Difference between African and Indian species 90
• Native ideas of perfection in an elephant 91
• Blotches on the skin 92
• White elephants not unknown in Ceylon 93

CHAP. III.

THE ELEPHANT

Its Habits.

• Water, but not heat, essential to elephants 94
• Sight limited 95
• Smell acute 96
• Caution 96
• Hearing, good 96
• Cries of the elephant 97
• Trumpeting 97
• Booming noise 98
• Height, exaggerated public@vhost@g@gutenberg@html@files@13325@[email protected]#page99"