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