How heavy and clumsy the elephant looks! yet he is very active, and
able to do many things with neatness. If you hold a sixpence in your
hand, he will take it up in his large trunk, and place it where the
keeper tells him. With the same trunk he is able to tear up large
trees, and to strike so hard that the blow would kill a man. In
foreign countries he is used to ride upon, as we ride upon horses. He
is a very good swimmer. He is born chiefly in warm climates. His tusks
are ivory, and are very useful for handles of knives, and many other
things. His trunk serves him instead of a hand to feed himself with,
and to hold and carry what he pleases.
He is very clever, and soon learns to do whatever he is taught. His
temper and nature are kind, but when he is teased he becomes very
fierce. He eats grass and hay, but no flesh.
Below is an elephant hunt.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: FISHER.]