HUNTERS GOING OUT AT SUNRISE. 243 



altitudes to the earth. If therefore clouds are seen 

 passing swiftly overhead, perhaps in a different direc- 

 tion to the lower current of air blowing at the time, 

 then, even though it be still and calm on earth, a 

 change may shortly be anticipated ; on the other hand, 

 if all is still and clear above and below, and the clouds 

 move with the wind, a continuance of settled weather, 

 at least for some hours, may reasonably be hoped for. 

 If the weather is likely to be wet and stormy, such 

 provisions as prudence may deem necessary can then 

 be made to meet it. 



It is also of high importance, whenever one is in an 

 unknown country, for the hunter, whether he is accom- 

 panied by trusty local guides or not, to take careful 

 note of any prominent feature that may be visible 

 from his camp in the landscape, such as a high hill 

 or other object ; this he should take compass bearings 

 of, as accurately as possible, and note them down 

 with their estimated distances in case of accident; as 

 also the general directions of any rivers, streams, etc., 

 and any other details which may help to direct him 

 back to the spot again The compass should be an 

 inseparable part of the hunter's equipment, never 

 omitted from his list of " necessaries. " 



If it is a district where water is scarce, and the 

 water-springs unknown, we would strongly urge the 

 necessity of never, as a matter of principle, going out 

 for however short a distance without some little supply 

 of drink. Personally we believe that for shooting ex- 

 cursions there is no better liquid than cold weak tea. 

 A small flask of good whisky or brandy is however a 

 most useful stand-by, in case of possible emergencies ; 

 and if one goes out for the day, a few biscuits, a bit 



