V A SHOOT IN AN INDIAN STATE 55 



at one end of a cover, mass several hundred men 

 at the other end, set them off and hope for the 

 improbable. As outlying shikaris they arc in- 

 accurate and cannot be depended on. I write 

 this deliberately and with a full recollection of the 

 many good local men I have had. But with the 

 exception of a man called Permanand and one 

 other, they all failed in higher tactics and were 

 best fitted for subordinate work. 



Good shikaris will be worth their pay in the 

 saving on ineffective beats and useless tie-ups 

 alone. Knowing that he has such men, the 

 sportsman can rest, and need not always go round 

 every kill and tie up every machan himself. He 

 will then be fresh and ready for the real stress 

 when it comes. 



To conclude : I have written this chapter at 

 length, not to boast, for we did nothing wonder- 

 ful ; but to try to show the young generation the 

 sport that is still to be had in India by an ordinary 

 sportsman without the aid of high office, or other 

 help than that of good shikaris and the cordial 

 goodwill and assistance of the Rulers and people 

 of the Land. 



And this help, believe me, is still to be obtained 

 throughout India by any keen sportsman who 

 knows how to ask for it. 



Good-bye, dear State, and kindly Maharajah. 

 I see you often in my dreams. May I see you 

 again in reality. 



