chap. xit. A JUNGLE TRIP. 535 



During our meal a heavy shower of rain came 

 down, and continued for about two hours. 



In the afternoon we sallied out, determined to shoot 

 at any large game that we might meet. We had lately 

 confined our sport to elephants, as we did not wish to 

 disturb the country by shooting at other game ; but 

 having fired in this neighbourhood during the morn- 

 ing, we were not very particular. 



We walked through a lovely country for about five 

 miles, seeing nothing whatever in the shape of game, 

 not even a track, as all the old marks were washed out 

 by the recent shower. At length we heard the barking 

 of deer in the distance, and, upon going in that di- 

 rection, we saw a fine herd of about thirty. They were 

 standing in a. beautiful meadow of about a hundred 

 acres in extent, perfectly level, and interspersed with 

 trees, giving it the appearance of an immense orchard 

 rather thinly planted. One side of this plain was 

 bounded by a rocky mountain, which rose precipitously 

 from its base, the whole of which was covered with 

 fine open forest. 



We were just stalking towards the deer when we 

 came upon a herd of wild buffaloes in a small hollow, 

 within a close shot. 



Palliser wanted a pair of horns, and he was just 

 preparing for a shot, when we suddenly heard the 

 trumpet of an elephant in the forest at the foot of the 

 rocky mountains close to us. 



