Utility of the Four-ounce. ill 



answer in Ceylon : the country is not sufficiently open 

 to watch the effects produced upon the animal, and al- 

 though he may have a mortal wound, he carries it away 

 with him and is not bagged. I have frequently tried 

 this shot; and, although I have seen the elephants go 

 away with ears and trunk drooping, still I have never 

 bagged more than one by any but the head-shot. This 

 fellow was a small " tusker," who formed one of a herd 

 in thick thorny jungle. There were several rocks in 

 this low jungle which overtopped the highest bushes ; 

 and having taken my station upon one of these, I got a 

 downward shot between the shoulders at the tusker, 

 and dropped him immediately as the herd passed be- 

 neath. The jungle was so thick that I could not sec 

 his head, or, of course, I should have chosen the usual 

 shot. This shot was not a fair criterion for the shoulder, 

 as I happened to be in a position that enabled me to 

 fire down upon him, and the ball most likely passed 

 completely through him. 



I remember a curious and unexpected shot that I 

 once made with the four-ounce rifle, which illustrates 

 its immense power. I was shooting at Minneria, and 

 was returning to the tent in the afternoon, having had 

 a great day's sport with buffaloes, when I saw a large 

 herd in the distance, ranged up together, and gazing 

 intently at some object near them. Being on horse- 

 back, I rode up to them, carrying my heavy rifle ; and, 

 upon a near approach, I discovered two large bulls 

 lighting furiously. This combat was exciting the at- 

 tention of the herd, who retreated upon my approach. 

 The two bulls were so engaged in their duel that they 

 did not notice me until I was within fifty yards of them. 

 First one, then the other, was borne to the ground, 



