146 THE TIGER. 



men : it is looked upon as far pre-eminent over the 

 other sports of India, as that of the fox in Britain is 

 held superior to a chace with rabbit beagles. It is 

 pursued with great parade and show, a large retinue 

 of followers, and almost royal splendour ; and in ad- 

 dition, it possesses the excitement of being attended 

 with considerable danger. 



The only animal found suitable to assist in the cap- 

 tine of this formidable beast, is the elephant, which 

 often displays great courage and coolness in the chase, 

 and at times a sagacity which has saved the rider's 

 life. When notice has been got that there is a tiger in 

 the neighbourhood, the whole station is roused*, and 

 preparation to proceed to the cover is commenced ; 

 the elephants are prepared, and the tumult which 

 commences before all is ready, between mahouts and 

 syces, dogs and horses, elephants and their masters, 

 can be compared to nothing in this country, where, 

 in well regulated hunting establishments, rule and 

 regularity prevail. From ten to thirty of these ani- 

 mals, each carrying a sportsmen armed with rifles 

 of various descriptions, generally start for the jungle, 

 though sometimes a field of nearly 100 elephants 

 have been out, and being arranged in line, com- 

 mence regularly to beat for the game ; but having 

 thus brought them to the jungle's edge, we shall al- 



* Military officers pursue this sport with the greatest 

 keenness, which their frequent movements ,and the array of 

 men and elephants which attend a camp, greatly facilitate. 



