below its surface with only his trunk above like the conning pole of a submarine boat. He bathes often, spraying the water over his back with his trunk, and expresses his joy with loud purring sounds, like some giant cat.
He plasters himself with clay or mud to ward off the attacks of vicious and poisonous flies.
In India the Elephant is used as a beast of burden. They are used in the rice fields to do the heavy work in the same way horses and cattle are used in our corn and wheat fields. They also load vessels with great timbers and other products of the Far East. Elephants are often seen caring for the children, rocking the baby, and protecting the family he lives with in every conceivable way.
He serves both the rich and the poor of India. From carrying the royal howdahs loaded with noblemen on his back through the jungle in quest of tigers and big game to performing the simplest duties for the humbler of mankind, our friend the Elephant can nearly always be depended on.
There are rogue Elephants, to be sure, as there
