The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-01-22
KEDAH.
A Perfect Specimen of the White EIe-
phnnt Recently Imported.
From the Scientific American.

phhnt Recently imported
From the Scientific American.
White elephants have for many years
been objects of veneration in Burmah
and Siam. The fortunate individual
who found one sold il to the king of
one of those countries, obtaining there
of. IT is said. certain titles of nobility.
exemption from taxation and from
capital punishment and a sum of mon
ey determined, il is said, in some cases,
by the amount of silver coin which he
could push along a smooth surface
with his little finger. The largest sum
ever obtained. II is said, was won by a
Chinese, who assiduously practiced
pushing weights, strengthening his
hand so as to be able to push along the
largest amount of silver possible.
Some years ago a partially white
elephant was in the Barnum & Bailey
show, which animal persisted in the
bridgeport fire. There has recently
been imported into New York perfect
example of the white elephant
The sacred beast is recognized by
certain signs. In addition to the light
color of his skin. he is required to have
five white hoofs on each foot, he has
to show a pink color about the ears,
and the hair about the lip is required
to be light in color. and the tail to
have no tuft of hair upon its end.
Palembang, in Southeastern Sumatra
on June H. 1895. and is supposed to be
about Is months old. its height Is
three feet nine inches and II weighs
about 500 pounds. The little creature
is perfectly docile and content in it's
captivity. and allows itself to be
fondled and played with at liberty 1t
has been named Kedah
In Sumatra the value of the white
al nj nj fC lIxr
the captors of this animal were not
aware that they could have sold il to
the king Of Siam. Had il been found
by those having knowledge of this fact
II would probably never have left the
East 1t is really the only elephant
which may be truthfully called white
ever brought to this country Europe
has never possessed one of any kind
White elephants are now only to he
seen within the Enclosure of the kings
palace at Bangkok, Siam. There are
four there now, which animals. owing
10 the peculiar religious tenets of the
Buddhists' faith. are absolutely I'M
purchasable. The doctrine of the trans
migration of souls teaches that these
animals are inhabited by the souls of
Siamese kings.
The white elephant that was with
the Barnum & Bailey show was pro-
cured with great difficulty in Burmah
The present animal Of the Sumatran
variety. and absolutely perfect exam
pie OF the elephant albino. is one 81
the most interesting and curious zoo
logical specimens ever brought to this
country. The color Is a very light
gray, and the skin is peculiarly soft
and delicate. About the end OF the
trunk and about the ears Il runs into
light pink tint. and the hoofs are a
beautiful cream white The animal is
a male. and is expected to attain
height OF seven 10 eight feet.
Its importer has spent many years in
collecting animals for exhibition. hav-
ing in the course Of his experience gone
p times around the globe He brought
Kedah home by sea through the Suez
canal the Journey taking so days. Ke-
dab arrived rather thin and worn after
his trip. but is now in prime condition
and bids fair TO attain a good old age