CHAPTER I.. Structure and Functions.

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS.

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Vast numbers in Ceylon 4

Derivation of the word “elephant,” note ib.

Antiquity of the trade in elephants 5

Numbers now diminishing. ib.

Mischief done by them to crops ib.

Ivory scarce in Ceylon 6

Conjectures as to the absence of tusks 7

Elephant a harmless animal 9

Alleged antipathies to other animals 11

Fights with each other 15

The foot its chief weapon 16

Use of the tusks in a wild state doubtful 17

Anecdote of sagacity in an elephant at Kandy 19

Difference between African and Indian species 20

Native ideas of perfection in an elephant 21

Blotches on the skin 22

White elephants not unknown in Ceylon 23