IN THE CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS 117 



and there must be amongst the smaller forms of animal life, 

 and especially insect life, many species as yet unknown to 

 science. A systematic faunistic survey of the area is badly 

 needed and would result in a rich reward to those under- 

 taking it whilst at the same time providing interesting 

 evidence on the distribution and spread of species and 

 indicating the connecting links between the western and 

 eastern hill ranges. 



Have you ever in the wild spaces of the earth suddenly 

 and unexpectedly come across a fellow-countryman ? A 

 curious sort of feeling, almost of shyness, comes over one. 

 I went through this experience on my way back to-day. 

 We had just started down-stream in the afternoon, when on 

 rounding a bend I saw a large dug-out advancing and in the 

 centre an unmistakable sahib in a topi. I knew the 

 political of the fastnesses up in the north was expected up 

 the river, but had understood that he was to stay a day with 

 us on his way up and I was looking forward to meeting him. 

 As the approaching boat drew near my men said it was the 

 Political Sahib. Our boats instinctively approached each 

 other and we met, total strangers, as if close friends, so 

 tight are the bonds of country when one meets in the wilds. 

 We spent half an hour together and parted. It was some 

 years before we met again and then the conditions were 

 very different. The Viceroy's band was playing a most 

 seductive waltz, a great ballroom was ablaze with gold and 

 glitter, with fair ladies and gallant men, and we were all 

 enjoying the golden hours, discussing the latest news 

 from home, admiring or otherwise each other's clothes and 

 talking Indian scandal. 



We got very few fish this trip. The weather was against 

 us and all fishermen know what that means. The river was 

 never once in real fishing condition, although usually at this 

 time it is at its best. It was pure bad luck. I think five fish 

 between us was the total bag, the largest about fifteen 

 pounds. But the whole trip was most enjoyable, and my 

 host and myself had always much to discuss in the evening 

 about the events of the day. Officially also the trip was a 

 success, for a number of matters which had been pending 

 and creating friction for several years were settled. That is 

 one of the best sides of India. So much real solid work can 

 be got through out in camp, whether on a shooting trip or 

 otherwise, provided all parties are really keen on camp life. 



