192 Incidents of Foreign Field Sport. 



immensely my two days' stay in Bunda, for I had 

 been on solitary outpost work for more than six 

 months, during which I had not seen a European to 

 speak to. Tents and camp equipage were sent on 

 before us, and we followed a couple of days later. 

 Our party consisted of eight. I shall call them A., 

 B., C., D., E., F., G., and H. To reach our destina- 

 tion we had to ride out about eight or nine miles, 

 then to cross over a tidal stream by means of ferry- 

 boats, thence by a fair unmetalled road to Umsul- 

 davy. Our tents were pitched in a grove of mango 

 trees, and as soon as our ablutions were completed 

 we were told that dinner was ready. After that meal 

 succeeded grog, and a few songs and anecdotes of 

 sport. Our captain, D., then tells off the various 

 riders, and what time we are to mount our nags, to 

 the call of " boot and saddle," after which we retire 

 to our tents, two of us being in each. Soon all are 

 asleep, and unconscious until we are awakened, after, as 

 it appears to us, but a very brief repose, by the repeated 

 cries of our dressing boy " Sar, sar, tea is ready." 

 To " shake off dull sloth and early rise " is no hard- 

 ship to old Indians. We take our cup of tea, choco- 

 late, or cocoa, as it pleases us, pour some half a dozen 

 chatties (pots) of cold water over our heads, and feel 

 like giants refreshed, then don our hunting costume, 

 none of the best or newest, as it has seen much 

 service and meet at the mess tent. No time is lost ; 

 the syces (grooms) are waiting with our horses and 

 various spears, principally made by that prince 

 of cutlers, old Arnachillum of Salem. Girths are 

 tightened, spurs adjusted, and we mount, speculating 

 on the sport we shall come across during the day. 



