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" them. I have seen the wild dog somewhat bold and saucy in his 

 " demeanour. On one occasion, when returning to the Avalanche 

 " bungalow, I heard the strange whimpering noise I have alluded 

 " to above, and presently saw some five or six wild dogs on the 

 " outskirts of a wood. One of them came forward to reconnoitre, 

 " and I took a shot at him and missed ; he ran off a short distance, 

 " and his companions entered the wood. The bold dog I had fired 

 " at only retreated a short distance and then rushed back, tail erect 

 " and barking furiously. Another shot failed to frighten him, but 

 " a third throwing the dirt up into his face, he then began to think 

 " it dangerous and decamped, barking for some time after he dis- 

 " appeared. They were all long shots, except the first. I suppose 

 " he was some old patriarch of the pack, and considered it his duty 

 " to cover the retreat of his family. He looked very handsome in 

 " his angry mood, with his black brush cocked over his back as 

 " much as to say " who's afraid ?" These dogs are seldom met 

 " singly ; generally they are in packs, though now and then pairs 

 " are seen, perhaps only at certain seasons. Their hunting no 

 " doubt, is invariably in numbers, it being improbable that a single 

 " dog or even a pair of them could tackle the larger game. There 

 " is, however, one point on which we may rest assured, and that is, 

 " take him in whatever light you will, he is beyond all doubt, a 

 " most destructive poacher, and the game he destroys is absolutely 

 " beyond computation. My parting advice, therefore, to all sports- 

 " men is, kill him whenever you have the chance. 



"A few words in closing the rambling sketches of the 

 " " Poachers" infesting our Hills may not be unseasonable. It is 

 " contemplated to introduce "an Act" for the better preservation of 

 " the game on the plateau of the Neilgherries. There can be no 

 " doubt that such a law is really needed, and when once in force, 

 " remember, all good sportsmen, that it depends on yourselves 

 " whether it shall be a dead or a living law ; for unless you 

 " heartily support it and check the slaughtering system that 

 " hitherto has so grievously prevailed (with very few exceptions) 

 " amongst you all, it will do but little good. Respect the close 

 " months ; keep your eyes on the native shikarries ; restrain your 

 " own men from shooting at all, reward them for watching your 



