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CHAPTER IV. 



NOWHERE can a finer or a more invigorating climate be found 

 than at an altitude of between 6000 and 8000 feet in the 

 Himalayas, during the three months that succeed the clearing 

 up of the rainy season about the end of September. The 

 wild animals, too, are then in their best condition both for fur 

 and flesh. The males would of course be better for food a 

 month or so earlier; but as the natives highly prize venison 

 at any time, it is never wasted; and the trophies, which the 

 sportsman values more than the meat, are none the worse for 

 the delay. 



The November mornings were crisp and frosty, and the 

 days bright and clear, when I set out on a short hunting-trip 

 of quite a different character to the one just described. My 

 small retinue consisted of Kurbeer and another Goorkha lad 

 carrying the guns, a cook, and four or five " coolies" (native 

 baggage-porters), laden with a little tent, bedding, and the 

 few requisites for a short sojourn in the wilds. "We reached 

 our destination a hamlet near the foot of the hill we in- 

 tended hunting over in time to get everything "fixed up" 

 before dark. 



On making inquiries about a guide for the ground, the 

 village Nimrod a comical-looking little man attired in an 

 old black blanket, with a bit of rope round his waist support- 

 ing a small " koolharee " (wood-axe) presented himself, and 

 made his salaam. This bare-legged individual rejoiced in the 

 name of " Baloo Mar," literally meaning " Bear-killer," which 



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