THE ELEPHANT ACCUSING HIS DRIVER OF THEFT. 101

An elephant can be taught to take a broom and sweep out
a large yard. Indeed, he is so wise and clever, and may be
trained to so many different uses, that some of the natives of
India look upon him as being gifted with reason.

His trunk is one of the wonders of creation. He can
use it to root up a tree, to pull off a branch, to pick up a
nut, or to brush away a fly. By means of it he breathes,
conveys food to his mouth, and draws up water, which he
can use either for drinking or for cooling himself by throw-
ing it over his body.

The wife of an elephant driver was in the habit of leav-
ing her baby in its cradle beside an elephant, and it is said
that the huge animal learned to rock the cradle with its
trunk till the child fell asleep. When it grew older the
child used to play about on the ground near the elephant.
It would sometimes go up to the elephant’s huge legs, but
it never was hurt. If the child was caught among the
branches of the trees near which the elephant was chained,
the wise creature would gently lift the child out with its
trunk and put him again on the smooth, soft ground.

 

THE ELEPHANT ACCUSING HIS DRIVER
OF THEFT.

WE have, I think, enough of evidence to prove that ele-
phants have greater reasoning power than any other animals.
They seem, indeed, to have many of the feelings of human
beings. In spite of their size, what activity do they show!
what wonderful judgment! How cautious they are in all