5 FEBRUARY 1898, Page 17

THE TIMIDITY OF AN ELEPHANT.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.".]

Srn,—Riding along a road in India I saw the following instance of a big elephant's timidity, which I venture to send you. The elephant, ridden by a mahout, was followed by a small Maltese terrier, which, intent on his own affairs, trotted before his master, making occasional instinctive investiga- tions by the roadside after the manner of dogs, without particularly noticing other travellers. From the first moment the elephant set eyes on the dog he never lost sight of him, turning from side to side always with an eye on the small animal, and hurrying out of his way whenever he approached. The timidity of the one and the confidence of the other was irresistibly amusing.—I am, Sir, &c.,