FOR A FOREST RANGER. 267 



trusty rifle ; and his vigilant eye, piercing the 

 shadowy depths of the jungle, leaves no hollow 

 unsearched, for he and his followers are depen- 

 dent for their subsistence on their exertions in 

 the chase. 



Nothing is so conducive to the keen develop- 

 ment of the senses as the constant exertion of 

 the different faculties during a sojourn in the 

 jungle , quickness of eye (an indispensable qua- 

 lity in a hunter) and unceasing watchfulness are 

 there attained ; habits of observation are engen- 

 dered, for anything out of the common imme- 

 diately attracts attention, and the ear is habituated 

 to catch the slightest sound. 



The hunter should have a thorough knowledge 

 of the habits of the wild animals he seeks, bear- 

 ing in mind how suspicious they are, and how 

 quickly their attention is attracted by unusual 

 noises, strange traces in the jungle, or even the 

 taint in the air which the presence of man al- 

 ways leaves behind. The ranger of the forest 

 a thorough feeling of independence 



