Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 December 1893 — THE NIMBLE ELEPHANT. [ARTICLE]

THE NIMBLE ELEPHANT.

H© Ventures in Places Which Would Pubzlo Mules. It is a remarkable thing that elephants are able to make their way up and down mountains and through a country of steep cliffs where mules would not dare to venture, and even where men find passage difficult. Their tracks have been found upon the very summit of mountains over 7,000 feet high. In these journeys an elephant is often compelled to descend hills and mountain sides which are almost precipitous. This is the way in which it is done: The elephant’s first maneuver is to kneel down close to the declivity. One fore leg is then cautiously placed over the edge and a short way down the slope, and if he finds there is no good spot for a firm foothold, he speedily forms one by stamping into the soil if it is moist, or kicking out a footing If it Is dry. When he is sure of a good foothold the other fore leg is brought down in the same way. Then he performs the same work over again with his feet, bringing both fore legs a little in advance of the first footholds. This leaves good sure places all made and ready for the hind feet. Now, bracing himself by his huge, strong fore legs, he draws his hind legs, first one and then the other carefully over the edge, where they occupy tho first places made by the fore feet. This is the. way the huge animal proceeds all the way down, zigzag, kneeling every time with the two hind legs, while he makes footholds with his fore feet. In this way the “center of gravity” is preserved and the huge beast prevented from toppling over on his nose.