294 THE RIFLE AND HOUND IN CEYLON, chap. xti. 



Hengiriwatdowane, 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 

 separated, 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 dif- 

 ferent 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 1 

 of course did not fire, although they were within a 

 certain shot. I saw no elephants. 



Everyone saw plenty of deer, but V. Baker was 

 the one lucky individual in meeting with elephants. 

 He came upon a fine herd, but they winded him and 

 escaped. There was evidently plenty of game, but 

 V. B. having fired at the elephants, we knew that 

 this part of the country was disturbed ; we therefore 

 had no hesitation in discharging all the guns and 

 having them well cleaned for the next morning, when 

 we proposed to move the tent a couple of miles 

 farther off. 



Nov. 23. — A most unfortunate day, proving the 

 disadvantage of being ignorant of the ground. Al- 

 though I knew the whole country by one route, 



