Game Animals of India, etc. 



sometimes numbering half-a-score individuals, or even 

 more. The cows and calves, as well as the younger 

 bulls, on the other hand, associate in family parties, or, 

 less commonly, in small herds. The cows give birth 

 either to a single calf or twins, and apparently breed 

 every year. Although seldom resorting to thick forest, 

 nilgai specially affect ground covered with thin bush 

 among- which laro-er trees occur at intervals ; and are 

 equally partial to open grassy plains with patches of 

 covert into which they can retire. Frequently they 

 may be seen feeding among corn-fields ; and this under 

 a burning noonday sun, since the nilgai is an animal of 

 diurnal habits, although sometimes resorting to the 

 shade for a short siesta. In districts where they are in 

 the habit of resorting to corn-fields for their daily meal, 

 they display remarkable unconcern at the presence of 

 man ; this being largely due to the fact that, as its 

 name implies, the nilgai is regarded by the Hindus as 

 a near relation of the sacred cow, and consequently 

 enjoys immunity from molestation. In deference to 

 these prejudices, shooting these animals by Europeans 

 is prohibited in certain districts. In spite of its semi- 

 sacred character, the flesh of the nilgai is eaten, 

 however, by most of the Hindus of the Deccan, not 

 even excepting those jungle-tribes who regard the gaur 

 in the light of a deity. 



On account of the insignificant nature of the trophies 

 it yields, the bull nilgai is not regarded as worthy game 

 for the rifle in most parts of India. Its beef may, 

 however, be useful on occasions to supply a large camp 

 with food ; the marrow-bones being a delicacy, and the 

 tongue of good quality. The skin makes excellent 

 leather, the thinner portions of the hide becoming as 

 soft and pliable as sambar-leather, while the thicker skin 

 of the back is suitable for sole-leather. 



A writer in the Asian newspaper of 21st February 

 1899 related the following experiences of nilgai-stalking : 

 — " I have frequently found blue bull wild and difllicult 



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