as four horny toes or _sabots_ on the hind-foot, where only three
appear upon that of the latter. The enamel of the teeth presents still
another proof of these animals being different in species.

Nor are all Asiatic elephants alike. In this species there are
varieties which present very distinct features; and, indeed, these
"varieties," as they are called, appear to differ from each other,
nearly as much as any one of them does from the African kind.

One variety known among Orientals by the name of "mooknah," has straight
tusks that _point downward_, whereas the usual habit of these singular
appendages is to _curve upward_.

Asiatics recognise two main _castes_, or perhaps species, among their
elephants. One known as "coomareah," is a deep-bodied, compact, and
strong animal, with large trunk and short legs. The other called
"merghee," is a taller kind, but neither so compact nor strong as the
coomareah, nor has he so large a trunk. His long legs enable him to
travel faster than the coomareah; but the latter having a larger trunk
(a point of beauty among elephant-owners) and being capable of enduring
more fatigue, is the favourite, and fetches a larger price in the
Oriental market.

Occasionally a _white_ elephant is met with. This is simply an
"albino," but such are greatly prized in many countries of Asia, and
large sums are given for them. They are even held in superstitious
veneration in some parts.

The Indian elephant at the present time inhabits most of the southern
countries of Asia, including the large islands, Ceylon, Java, Sumatra,
Borneo, etcetera. Of course every one knows that in these countries the
elephant has been trained long ago to the use of man, and is one of the
"domestic animals." But he also exists in a wild state, both upon the
continent of Asia and in its islands; and hunting the elephant is one of
the grand sport of the East.

In Africa the elephant exists _only_ in a state of nature. None of the
nations upon this little-known continent tame or train him to any
purpose. He is only prized among them for his precious tusks, and his
flesh as well. Some have asserted that this species is more fierce than
its Indian congener, and could not be domesticated. This is altogether
a mistake. The reason why the African elephant is not trained, is
simply that none of the modern nations of Africa have yet reached a high
enough point of civilisation to avail themselves of the services of