v THE TIGER 97 



making all preliminary arrangements. It is a common custom of 

 native shikaris to tie up a buffalo where four paths meet, as the 

 tiger would be walking along one of these during the night, and it 

 could not help seeing the alluring bait. I do not admire this 

 plan, as, although the probability is that the buffalo will be killed, 

 there is every likelihood of disturbance after the event, when 

 natives would be passing along the various routes. The slightest 

 noise would alarm the tiger, and instead of remaining quietly near 

 the carcase, it would slink away and be no more seen. 



Natives are very inquisitive, and should the tiger have killed 

 the bait, and dragged the buffalo away to some deep nullah, the 

 shikari and his companion are often tempted to creep along the 

 trace until they perhaps see the tiger in the act of devouring the 

 hind-quarters. This is quite contrary to the rules of hunting, as 

 the tiger is almost certain to detect their presence if they are so 

 near, in which case it is sure to retreat to some undisturbed locality 

 beyond the area of the beat. 



There is constant disappointment in driving for tigers owing to 

 the stupidity or exaggerated zeal of the shikari ; and if the hunter 

 is thoroughly experienced, it is far better that he should conduct 

 the operations personally. 



Success depends upon many little details which may appear 

 trivial, but are nevertheless important. When a buffalo is tied up 

 for bait, it must be secured by the fetlock of a fore foot, and care 

 must be taken that the rope is sufficiently strong to prevent the 

 buffalo from breaking away ; at the same time it must not be 

 strong enough to prevent the tiger from breaking it when the 

 animal is killed, and the carcase is to be dragged to the nearest 

 nullah (or ravine). If the rope is too powerful, the tiger cannot 

 dispose of the body ; it will therefore eat the hind-quarters where 

 it lies, and at once retreat to water, instead of concealing the prey 

 and lying down in the vicinity. In such a case the remains of the 

 body will be exposed to the gaze of vultures and jackals, who will 

 pick the bones clean in a few hours, and destroy all chance of the 

 tiger's return. When the dead body is concealed beneath dense 

 bushes in a deep ravine, the vultures cannot discover it, as they 

 hunt by sight, and the tiger has no anxiety respecting the security 

 of its capture ; it will therefore sleep in peace within a short 

 distance, until awakened by the shouts of a line of beaters. 



If the buffalo is tied with a rope around the neck, a tiger Avill 

 frequently refuse to molest it, as it fears a trap. I have seen 

 occasions when the tiger has walked round and round the buffalo, 

 as exhibited by the tracks upon the surface, but it has been afraid 



H 



