Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/81

Rh are vicious and insane men; but they are the exception and not the rule.

Elephants are our largest land animals. They inhabit the warm sections of Asia and Africa. One of the tallest wild specimens shot was eleven feet eight and one-half inches at the shoulders and weighted six and one-half tons. Jumbo was said to be twelve feet when he died. A medium sized elephant weighs three tons, or as much as fifty men. They do not get their full growth until thirty years of age and often live over a century. The dwarf elephant of the Congo is an interesting specimen.

This most remarkable animal is man's best friend. His great size and strength permit him to be very independent and it is only through love and gentle treatment that he will serve man to the best of his ability. For intelligence, sagacity and great endurance, he ranks first in the beast kingdom. He is loving and faithful and we hope he will be protected as he deserves to be and not shot wantonly as has been done by silly people who call themselves sportsmen.