Tigers, Gaur and Leoparas. 159 



" pyoung " T about and that one was a monster 

 leading a solitary life. About 3 A.M. we got 

 away and walked steadily for three hours, as the 

 greater part of the route lay through forests con- 

 sisting of teak, sal, and other trees and bamboos, 

 so there was not much undergrowth. We reached 

 the neighbourhood of our destination soon after 

 daybreak, and I closely followed the guide, stepping 

 into his footmarks so as to make as little noise as 

 possible, for though the solitaire might be fear- 

 less, he might be from home, and all game are ever 

 on the qui vive, and disappear at the slightest 

 noise. As objects became more visible, we saw the 

 slots of gaur and sambur all goinof in one direction 

 that of the licks ; but as it was down wind it was no 

 use following their trail, so we hurried on, making a 

 long detour so as to approach them from the opposite 

 side. It was fully 7 A.M. before we ventured to 

 make for the depression where the white earth im- 

 pregnated with sodium is found. The ground became 

 uneven, the jungle more dense, and we moved along 

 with greater caution. In front there was a heavy 

 fringe of bamboo, extending to a considerable distance 

 north and south. We approached it from the east, 

 so as to have the wind in our faces. The belt was 

 nearly half a mile broad, and in one part the bamboos 

 had flowered but were dead, yet the remainder were 

 most luxuriant and on the point of blossoming, but 

 would also pass away before six months were over, for 

 all bamboos die after flowering. But it is not often one 

 sees this plant in the latter stage. I have only seen it 

 in flower three or four times during nearly forty years' 



1 Gaur. 



