phants since
the foundation of the Burmah dynasty by Alompraa. The first one is
dead, and I have one of his teeth carved with figures, which was
consecrated to the great Dagon Pagoda. The second now _reigns_--he is
attended by hundreds, wears a howdah, or cloth, studded with precious
stones; which is said to be worth a million of money. He also wears his
bangles or armlets on each leg, and fares sumptuously every day. White
elephants are very scarce; the colour is occasioned by a disease in the
animal, a species of leprosy. Any elephant hunter in these countries,
who is fortunate enough to capture a white elephant, is immediately
created a noble, and advanced to high honour and wealth. The third
white elephant, of which I am about to speak particularly, and who may
be considered as the heir apparent, was taken a few months previous to
our declaring war against the Burmahs. He was very young; his mother
had been killed, and he yet required partial nourishment. He was
brought to Rangoon, established in one of the best houses in the place,
and an edict was sent forth from the capital, ordering that twenty-four
of the most healthy young married women should be dedicated to his
wants, and if they fell off in powers of nourishment, be replaced by
others. This was considered an honour--for were they not nursing a
_God_? Major Canning, the political agent, who went to see this curious
spectacle, described it to me as follows: "The animal was not above
three feet and a few inches high, its colour was a dirty grey, rather
than white; it was very healthy, playful, and in good spirits. When I
went into the room, which was very spacious, and built of teak-wood, the
twenty-four nurses were sitting or lying on mats about the room, some
playing at draughts and other games, others working. The elephant
walking about, looking at them, and what they were doing, as if he
understood all about it. After a short time, the little deity felt
hungry, and, with his trunk he pushed some of the women, but to annoy
him they would not yield to his solicitations. When he became angry,
and was too rough for them, they submitted, and he put his trunk round
their waists in the most affectionate manner, while he was supplying
himself." I did not see the animal myself, as immediately that they
heard of our arrival at the mouth of the river, they despatched him
under a strong guard to a place of security. But I should like to
ascertain hereaf