3 o8 RIFLE AND ROMANCE 



important question of game-preservation ; and, working 

 on the sensible plan of previously collecting information 

 from almost every private as well as public source, was 

 about to pass a Game Law for all India an elastic statute 

 that would enable the many diverse local peculiarities 

 to be respected, suit the different means necessary in 

 the so widely differing parts of so large a country, and 

 deal fundamentally with every point which may aid in 

 preserving so valuable an asset to the country at large. 



But those who have so disinterestedly laboured to aid 

 in this laudable project, usually with scant support or 

 encouragement from the apathetic individuals who will 

 benefit most by the new legislation, do not rest satisfied 

 with the result of their aims so long and patiently held 

 before the public and the powers that be. For the 

 good intentions of Government have as yet resulted in 

 nothing ; while the shooting regulations recently made 

 in certain administrations are remarkable only for their 

 ingenuity in reserving all sporting facilities for their own 

 officials. 



A further consideration of the game-destroyers of India 

 brings us to those great pests of the jungle the wild 

 dogs. 



Decrease in the numbers of game, such as deer, etc., 

 would lead one to infer that a corresponding falling off 

 might be expected in those predatory animals directly 

 dependent on them for food and existence ; yet there is 

 little doubt that the numbers of the wild dog (Cyon, or 

 Cuon Dakhanensis) have largely increased of late years, 

 while their usual habits of retirement and shyness before 

 the face of man also seem to have undergone a change. 

 Even within the experience of the writer, the wild dog, 

 once almost a rara avis, has become far too common. 



One has only to note the effect of an incursion of these 

 deadly little hunters into a game-bearing section of country 

 to realise their power. Let but the scent of a few wander- 



