342 RIFLE AND ROMANCE 



in the shape of a small wooden " crate " or open-sided 

 box, about twenty inches square (inside measurement) 

 and a couple of feet high. This is simply a square 

 framework. Nawdr (cotton webbing) or rope is then 

 strongly woven across the bottom to form the flooring ; 

 and more of it may be woven or wound round the sides, 

 the whole then forming a kind of open box. Long ropes 

 are provided at the four upper corners, and a couple more 

 are affixed to the bottom of the " crate," which can then 

 be tied firmly into almost any kind of tree, or even to a 

 perpendicular stem which has no branching limbs at all. 

 A light jointed bamboo ladder will form a little luxury, 

 while being sometimes a necessity in order to reach certain 

 otherwise inaccessible points. One man for the " crate " 

 and another for the ladder (if taken) will be found ample. 

 When this portable machdn has been fixed aloft, the 

 shooter mounts to it, and may sit or stand for his shot, with 

 the great advantage of being able to turn round rapidly 

 in any direction. The flooring, being of soft material, 

 is noiseless. A cushion will add some comfort when 

 one perches on the rail of the " crate," and it is neither 

 difficult nor cramping to spend a couple of hours or so in 

 such a perch. Though extremely light, the disadvantage 

 of all these arrangements is that one is still dependent on 

 the aid of coolies to carry them ; however, that is one of 

 the accepted disadvantages of most Indian shikar. Teak- 

 wood is the material used in this form of machdn which 

 the writer has used ; but the joints are a difficulty, and the 

 strain being considerable, the joinery is apt to work loose. 

 Bamboo is unsuitable, being likely to creak. A metal 

 framework would probably be too heavy. These are the 

 difficulties. As to shape, it is possible that an oblong form 

 might be an advantage, as the machdn could then be 

 inhabited with comfort for a longer period, and used as a 

 perch from which to watch over " kills." 



Having shown how the secure platform may be obtained, 



