SPORT IN THE TEKKES : WAPITI 65 



times built bridges here, but the natives found 

 them so convenient for firewood that they never 

 lasted long, and so when the Akjas people presented 

 their last request for a new one to the authorities in 

 Kuldja they were told that they might wade. On 

 the way we passed a long row of grass-covered 

 tumuli, but what they are I do not know. We 

 saw a roe deer, which caused great excitement 

 among our men, who apparently expected us to run 

 after it with shot-guns, our rifles being still in their 

 cases. But the event of the day was yet to come. 

 After camp was pitched three large birds came 

 flying up the valley and settled on an adjacent hill ; 

 out came the telescopes, and many and various 

 were the opinions expressed as to what they were. 

 The simplest plan seemed to shoot first and inquire 

 afterwards ; so we went, and after a careful stalk 

 got two of them, which turned out to be greater 

 bustards. One of them was only winged and made 

 off, with me in full pursuit ; when cornered it showed 

 fight, making a most determined charge, and was 

 finally knocked down with the barrel of the gun. 

 Number three did not go far, but when followed up 

 he rose out of range and continued his journey till 

 lost to sight in the west. They were lovely birds, 

 but most indifferent eating ; we hung one for ten 

 days and looked forward to a feast, special arrange- 

 ments being made to roast it, but it proved a failure, 

 being both tough and tasteless. 



