286 THE RIFLE AND HOUND IN CEYLON, chap. xii. 



phants in this open but secluded part of the country. 

 There were very fresh tracks of a herd ; and as we 

 expected Wortley and Palliser on the following day, 

 we would not disturb the country, but returned to 

 Minneria and passed the afternoon in shooting snipe 

 and crocodiles. The latter were in incredible numbers, 

 as the whole population of this usually extensive lake 

 was now condensed in the comparatively small extent 

 of water before us. The fish of course were equally 

 numerous, and we had an unlimited supply of ' lola ' 

 of three to four pounds weight at a penny each. Our 

 gang of coolies feasted upon them in immense quan- 

 tities, and kept a native fully employed in catching 

 them. Our cook exerted his powers in producing some 

 piquante dishes with these fish. Stewed with melted 

 butter (ghee), with anchovy sauce, madeira, sliced onion 

 and green chillies, this was a dish worthy of ' Soyer,' 

 but they were excellent in all shapes, even if plain 

 boiled or fried. 



Nov. 19. — At about four P.M. I scanned the plain 

 with my telescope, in expectation of the arrival of our 

 companions, whom I discovered in the distance, and as 

 they approached within hearing, we greeted them with 

 a shout of welcome to show the direction of our en- 

 campment. We were a merry party that evening at 

 dinner, and we determined to visit Cowdelle, and track 

 up the herd that we had discovered, directly that the 

 Moormen trackers should arrive from Doolana. 



