I have myself seen the wife of a mohout give a baby in charge to an elephant, while she was on some business, and have been highly amused in observing the sagacity and care of the unwieldy nurse.
1873, Pennsylvania. Dept. of Public Instruction, The Pennsylvania School Journal, page 34
The average number of children in charge is about 90. One hundred and fifty could be accommodated.
1878, Wisconsin. Legislature. Joint Special Committee on the Revision of the Statutes, Report of the Joint Special Committee on the Revision of the Statutes, page 20
If the commitment be made on the petition of parents, guardian or persons having the child in charge, the judge may, in his discretion, require them to pay the whole or any part of the expense of his maintenance, according to their ability.