Some have asserted that this species is more fierce than its Indian congener, and could not be domesticated.

This is altogether a mistake.

The reason why the African elephant is not trained, is simply that none of the modern nations of Africa have yet reached a high enough point of civilisation to avail themselves of the services of this valuable animal.
The African elephant may be domesticated and trained to the "howdah," or castle, as easily as his Indian cousin.

The trial has been made; but that it can be done no better proof is required than that at one period it was done, and upon a large scale.

The elephants of the Carthaginian army were of this species.
The African elephant at present inhabits the central and southern parts of Africa.