256 The Rifle and Hound in Ceylon. 



the contrary, traveled easily through this country, we 

 should have killed an extraordinary amount of game. 



We agreed that our route should be this. We were 

 to enter the Veddah country at the north and strike 

 down to the south. I knew a bridle-path from Badulla 

 to Batticaloa, which cut through the Veddah country 

 from west to east ; therefore we should meet it at right 

 a'ngles. From this point V. Baker was to bid adieu, 

 and turn to the west and reach Badulla, from thence to 

 Newera Ellia and to his regiment in Kandy. We 

 were to continue our direction southward, which I 

 knew would eventually bring us to the Park. 



Nov. 22. We moved our encampment, accompanied 

 by the headman and his followers, and after a ride of 

 fourteen miles we arrived at the country of Hengiri- 

 watdowane, a park-like spot of about twelve square 

 miles, at which place we were led to expect great sport. 

 The appearance of the ground was all that we could 

 wish ; numerous patches of jungle and single trees were 

 dotted upon the surface of fine turf. 



In the afternoon, after a cooling shower, we all sepa- 

 rated, and started with our respective gun-bearers in 

 different directions, with the understanding that no one 

 was to fire a shot at any game but elephants. We were 

 to meet in the evening and describe the different parts 

 of the country, so that we should know how to proceed 

 on the following day. 



I came upon herds of deer in several places, but I of 

 course did not fire, although they were within a cer- 

 tain shot. I saw no elephants. 



Every one saw plenty of deer, but V. Baker was the 

 only luckjj individual in meeting with elephants. He 

 came upon a fine herd, but they winded him and 



