184 Leaves from an Indian Jungle. 



tion, and issuing special forest licenses to trustworthy 

 native shikaris for this purpose a plan which is already 

 being tried in some places. 



It may be argued by some that the interest in game 

 preservation displayed by sportsmen has its origin in 

 selfish motives, and that they would not exert themselves 

 much in the matter if it did not affect their own sport. 

 In acknowledging that such considerations influence one to 

 a certain extent, in addition to the desire, which all lovers 

 of Nature have, of staying the ruthless depopulation of a 

 country, these are not the only pleas in favour of putting 

 a stop to the present waste of jungle life. 



The effect that apparently insignificant matters often 

 exercise on large issues should not be lost sight of. 



If India, in the not very distant future, is to become 

 depleted of her game, and so hold out fewer inducements to 

 young men of sporting proclivities, she may cease to 

 attract to her public services many recruits of a most 

 desirable type. In addition to this, it would be a calamity 

 if this country, which has so long offered such advantages 

 to men of keen hunting instincts but small means, should 

 cease to occupy its position as one of the finest training- 

 grounds for English sportsmen and soldiers. The advan- 

 tages of shikar for the soldier is a theme that may be rather 

 oversung by enthusiasts ; but it cannot be denied that it is a 

 distinctly useful taste for him to indulge, assisting to 

 develope, as it does, many other qualities besides those of 

 hunting, tracking, and an ' eye for country.' 



It must have been noticed that the Englishman, in his 

 passion for games and athletic exercises, is tending ever- 

 more towards those which are carried out in a confined 

 space. There is a place for most things, and our choice of 

 games is usually good ; but to find men bound exclu- 



