THE elephant is not only the largest, but the strongest of all quadrupeds; in a state of nature it is neither fierce nor mischievous. Pacific, mild, and brave, it only exerts its powers in its own defence, or in that of the com-muni-ty to which it belongs. It is social and friendly with its kind; the oldest of the troop always appears as the leader, and the next in se-ni-or-i-ty brings up the rear. As they march, the forest seems to tremble beneath them; in their passage they bear down the branches of trees, on which they feed; and if they enter cul-ti-va-ted fields, the labours of ag-ri-culture soon disappear. It When the elephant is once tamed, it is the most gentle and o-be-di-ent of all animals. Its attachment to its keeper is re-mark-a-ble, and it seems to live but to serve and obey him. is quickly taught to kneel in order to receive its rider; and it caresses those with whom it is acquainted. THERE are several kinds of bears; such as the black bear, the brown bear, and the white bear. The black bear is a strong powerful animal, covered with black glossy hair, and is very common in North A-mer-i-ca. It is said to subsist wholly on ve-ge-ta-ble food; but some of them, which have been brought into England, have shewn a preference for flesh. They strike with their fore feet like a cat, seldom use their tusks, : but hug their assailants so closely, that they almost squeeze them to death. After becoming pretty fat in autumn, these animals retire to their dens, and continue six or seven weeks in total in-ac-tiv-i-ty and abstinence from food. The white, or Greenland bear, has a pe-cu-liar-ly long head and neck, and its limbs are of pro-di-gi-ous size and strength; its body frequently measures thirteen feet in length. The white bear lives on fish, seals, and the dead bodies of whales. A Fox, parched with thirst, perceived some grapes hanging from a lofty vine. As they looked ripe and tempting, Reynard was very desirous to refresh himself with their de-li-ci-ous juice; but after trying again and again to reach them, and leaping till he was tired, he found it im-prac-ti-ca-ble to jump so high, and in consequence gave up the attempt. Pshaw! said he, eyeing them as he retired, with affected in-differ-ence, I might easily have ac-com-plish-ed this business if I had been so disposed; but I cannot help thinking that the grapes are sour, and therefore not worth the trouble of plucking. The Vain, contending for the prize 'Gainst Merit, see their labour lost; A Dog crossing a river on a plank, with a piece of flesh in his mouth, saw its re-flec-ti-on in the stream, and fancied he had dis-cov-er-ed another and a richer booty. Ac-cord-ing-ly, dropping the meat into the water, which was instantly hurried away by the current, he suatch-. ed at the hadow; but how great was his vexa-ti-on to find that it had dis-ap-pear-ed! Unhappy creature that I am! cried he: in grasping at a shadow, I have lost-the substance. With moderate blessings be content, A Shepherd-boy, for want of better employment, used to amuse himself by raising a false alarm, and crying "the wolf! the wolf!" and when his neighbours, believing he was in earnest, ran to his assistance, instead of thanking them for their kindness, he laughed at them. This trick he repeated a great number of times; but at length the wolf came in re-al-i-ty, and began tearing and mangling his sheep. The boy now cried and bellowed with all his might for help; but the neighbours, taught by ex-pe-ri-ence, and supposing him still in jest, paid no regard to him. Thus the wolf had time and op-por-tu-ni-ty to worry the whole flock. To sacred truth devote your heart, By those whom he has once deceiv'd. |