among the Canadians, when they were masters of the island, was
to make the elephants trample upon the criminals, so as to crush their
limbs first, and by avoiding the vital parts prolong their agony. When
Mr. Sirr was there, he saw one of these elephant executioners. The word
of command, "Slay the wretch!" was given to him; upon which he raised
his trunk, pretended to twist it round a body, then slowly raised one of
his fore feet, and placed it where the limbs of the victim would have
been; then he stood motionless with his trunk in the air. He was ordered
to complete his work, and he placed one foot as if on the man's abdomen,
and another as if on his head, with apparently sufficient force to
destroy life. The elephant had not done this for thirty-five years, and
yet recollected the whole. They attain a great age, and have been known
to live more than a hundred years.

Major Rogers, who had killed one thousand four hundred elephants, shot
one on whom the ball only made a flesh wound; the creature, in a fury,
uttered its trumpet-like shriek, seized the Major with his trunk,
carried him to a deep hole, dashed him into it, and trampled upon him,
breaking his right arm in two places, and several of his ribs. He must
have been killed if the hole had been large enough to give the elephant
room to exercise his whole strength. He became senseless; but when he
came to himself, found the elephant gone, and friends about him: he knew
what had happened, and said he had always made up his mind, in case of
such an accident, to remain quite passive, as affording the best chance
of escape--and his plan answered.

Nothing done to elephants by way of insult, teasing, or unkindness, is
ever forgotten or forgiven by them, and they are sure to take an
opportunity of revenging themselves. On the other hand, kindness is
equally remembered and appreciated; an awkward proof of which occurred
to a lady, who, when she frequently went to see a male elephant, carried
to him bread, apples, and brandy. To show his gratitude for these, he
took her up with his trunk one day, and seated her on his back. As she
could not enjoy this testimonial of his feelings, she uttered the most
piercing shrieks, and implored the assistance of those around. His
keepers, however, advised her not to stir, and there she was obliged to
wait till he again encircled her with his trunk, and put her on the
ground in safety. Of the attachment of elephants to each other, a pro