In the course of my observations on the structure and functions of the elephant, I have ventured an opinion that an animal of such ponderous and peculiar construction, is formed chiefly for progression by easy and steady paces, and is too weighty and unwieldy to leap, at least to any considerable height or distance. But this opinion I felt bound to advance with reserve, as I had seen in an interesting article in the _Colombo Observer_ for March 1866, descriptive of a recent corral, the statement that an infuriated elephant had “fairly leaped a barrier 15 feet high, only carrying away the upper crossbeam with a crash.” (See p. 40.) Doubtful of some inaccuracy in the measurements, I took the precaution of writing to Mr. Ferguson, the editor, to solicit further enquiry. Since the following pages have been printed, I have received from that gentleman the correction, which I now subjoin. “My dear Sir Emerson,—I have just had a letter from Mr. Samuel Jayetileke, the Cutchery Modliar of Kornegalle, in reply to my queries about the height of the fence over which the elephant sprang. The result is the usual one whenever exact measurements are substituted for guess-work: I stated 15 feet as the height of the fence, and this was the information given to me at the time. But the report of Kumbowattewene, the Ratemahat-meya who has since gone to measure the place, is, that where the elephant leaped over, the height was 12 feet. The exact height of the leap was however only 9 feet; for besides that in his rush he knocked away the top bar, it is found that in the corner at which he escaped, there is a mound formed by a white ant’s nest, two and a half feet high, on which he must have climbed to help him over. I trust this information may be in time to prevent my original statement from going forth without modification in your new book. The leap is still a pretty good one.—Yours faithfully, A. M. FERGUSON, _Observer Office_, Colombo, December 14, 1866.” J. EMERSON TENNENT. TEMPO MANOR, ENNISKILLEN: _October 1, 1866_. CONTENTS. PART I. _HABITS IN A STATE OF NATURE._ CHAPTER I. STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS. PAGE 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