CHAPTER IV 



Some talk about rifles for big game Efficiency of small bores doubtful 

 Selous on this subject Knowledge of anatomy an important factor 

 A quotation from Sanderson An advocate for heavy weapons 

 Rifles recommended Sir Samuel Baker's opinion on experiments I 

 have made Various projectiles used, with results Some rifles I have 

 used Apology for digression, narrative resumed The district of 

 Khandesh described How the Bhils were civilized The necessity 

 for a local and special officer His duties Experience, how gained 

 The origin of the office of Tiger Slayer Cattle and human beings 

 destroyed by tigers Khandesh a stronghold of wild beasts Special 

 body of hunters from Bhil Corps Government elephants Useful to 

 shoot off, or as beaters. 



THE question as to which is the rifle best suited for big 

 and dangerous game is a somewhat controversial one, and 

 I am aware, while recording my opinion, that I differ from 

 many great authorities on this subject ; but every sports- 

 man who has actually experimented with rifles of various 

 patterns, on big game must necessarily be guided by the 

 results he has obtained and naturally favours the weapon 

 which he has found most successful. 



Personally, I am no believer in small bores in the hands 

 of ordinary sportsmen, they lack the smashing power and 

 paralyzing effect of the heavy bores. I propose, later on, 

 illustrating the truth of this theory by anecdotes, and as 

 I have on more than one occasion been in a tight corner, 

 and was once severely mauled by a tiger, the marks of 

 whose teeth and claws I bear to this day, I trust my ob- 

 servations will act as a warning to young sportsmen against 

 rashly entrusting themselves to light and so-called " handy " 

 weapons when in pursuit of dangerous game. 



Selous, the great African hunter, advocates small bores, 

 but it should be remembered that that celebrated sports- 

 man, with his intimate knowledge of anatomy and life- 

 experience of big-game shooting, knows how and where to 



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