IN BURMAH 327 



is not the most sporting form of sport ; indeed, I 

 venture to doubt whether it is entitled to rank as a 

 legitimate method of killing at all, but it is far and 

 away the best education for eyes and ears that in- 

 genuity can devise. The man with true sporting 

 instincts will suggest that it is quite possible to call 

 deer and refrain from shooting. I agree ; but there 

 is the shikari to consider, and should his patron 

 suggest leaving his rifle in camp, the practically- 

 minded shikari will respectfully intimate his intention 

 to stay with it. In the circumstances, the beginner 

 may compromise between the shikari's prejudice and 

 his own sporting conscience take his rifle with him, 

 and be careful not to shoot straight. 



Crouched in a carefully -chosen nook among 

 bushes, where the jungle is fairly open, the shikari 

 produces at intervals the squeaking whistle which 

 the buck gyee mistakes for the love-call of a doe. 

 If the evening be still it is essentially a late afternoon 

 pursuit you will hear the buck long before you see 

 him, and the patter of hoofs on the asphalte-like 

 earth will tell you where to look. Once he comes 

 within view the greatest caution in movement is 

 necessary ; it is assumed that only the upper part of 

 your head is exposed, and when you must move your 

 head to follow his movements do it as slowly as you 

 can. A deer's eyes are so placed that he can see all 

 round his head, practically speaking, and the slightest 

 abrupt movement will arrest his attention at once. 

 When the buck is in sight and looking about for the 

 imaginary doe whose summons he has obeyed, it is a 



