ROUND THE CAMP FIRE 313 



and other creatures on whom they prey would have some 

 chance of regaining their former abundance. 



As yet the only useful method seems to be that of 

 raising the amount of the Government award for their 

 destruction, and issuing special forest licences to trust- 

 worthy native shikaris for this purpose a plan which is 

 already being tried in some places. 



It may be argued by some that the interest in game- 

 preservation displayed by sportsmen has its origin in 

 selfish motives, and that they would not exert themselves 

 much in the matter if it did not affect their own sport. 

 In acknowledging that such considerations influence one 

 to a certain extent, in addition to the desire, which all 

 lovers of nature have, of staying the ruthless depopula- 

 tion of a country, these are not the only pleas in favour of 

 putting a stop to the present waste of jungle life. 



The effect that apparently insignificant matters often 

 exercise on large issues should not be lost sight of. If 

 India, in the not very distant future, is to become depleted 

 of her game, and so hold out fewer inducements to young 

 men of sporting proclivities, she may cease to attract to 

 her public services many recruits of a desirable type. In 

 addition to this, it would be a calamity if this country, 

 which has so long offered such advantages to men of keen 

 hunting instincts but small means, should cease to occupy 

 its position as one of the finest training grounds for 

 English sportsmen and soldiers. The advantages of shikar 

 for the soldier is a theme that may be rather oversung by 

 enthusiasts ; but it cannot be denied that it is a distinctly 

 useful taste for him to indulge, assisting to develop, as it 

 does, many other qualities besides those of hunting, track- 

 ing, and an " eye for country." 



It must have been noticed that the Englishman, in his 

 passion for games and athletic exercises, is tending ever- 

 more towards those which are carried out in a confined 

 space. There is a place for most things, and our choice 



