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