ji2 THE RIFLE AND HOUND IN CEYLON, chap. xn. 



coolies with the sight of venison ; the doe was soon 

 divided among them, one haunch only being reserved 

 for our own use. % 



Nov. 30. — This, being Sunday, was a day of 

 rest for man and beast after our recent wanderings, 

 and we patiently awaited the arrival of Banda and the 

 trackers. The guns were all in beautiful order, and 

 stood arranged against a temporary rack, in readiness 

 for the anticipated sport on the following day. 



Banda and the trackers arrived in the afternoon. 

 His accounts were very favourable as to the number of 

 elephants, and we soon laid down a plan for beating 

 the 'Park' in a systematic manner. 



Upon this arrangement the duration of sport in this 

 country materially depends. If the shooting is con- 

 ducted thoughtlessly here and there, without reference 

 to the localities, the whole ' Park ' becomes alarmed 

 at once, and the elephants quit the open country and 

 retire to the dense che^nar jungles. 



I proposed that we should commence shooting at 

 our present encampment, then beat towards the Cave, 

 shoot over that country towards Pattapalaar, from 

 thence to cross the river and make a circuit of the 

 whole of that portion of the ' Park,' and finish off in 

 the environs of Nielgalla. 



Banda approved of this plan, as we should then be 

 driving the borders of the 'Park,' instead of commenc- 

 ing in the centre. 



