Preface vii 



inability to exchange ideas with one's shikari 

 would, to my mind, enormously detract from the 

 pleasure of a trip. 



To the Indian subaltern, or other, who may 

 be inclined to exchange the monotony of a voyage 

 for a shooting tour on his way home, the country 

 may be cordially recommended. 



As usual, game in different localities is plentiful 

 or scarce according to the distance from inhabited 

 centres. The effect of the importation of modern 

 rifles has already become apparent in some parts, 

 and unless measures are taken to preserve game, 

 its disappearance is a matter of time. It is not 

 easy to see what can be done to avert this deplor- 

 able contingency. To press game preservation on 

 a Government that in some provinces at least is 

 unable to collect its own taxes, would seem futile. 

 Mere laws, moreover, in the present state of Persia, 

 would do no good. In some parts they would be 

 simply inoperative, in others only a fresh weapon 

 for extortion in the hands of officials. It is one of 

 Persia's questions, albeit a minor one, and the 

 solution hangs on that of other and graver 

 problems. Meanwhile, beasts and birds will have 

 to wait if they can. 



My acknowledgments are due to my publishers, 

 Messrs Blackwood & Sons, for the interest and 

 care they have taken in the production of this 



