THE TRAIL OF THE TIGER 289 



Driving the tiger out of the long grass of Bengal 

 before a line of elephants to a previously selected 

 open spot where the gunners, also on elephants, 

 are stationed. 



Driving it out before a line of native beaters 

 through the jungle to a given open place where the 

 gunner is stationed up a tree near where the tiger 

 is expected to break cover. 



Awaiting it on a platform (" mechan ") erected 

 within thirty to fifty feet of a tied up live bullock 

 or goat; or near the un-eaten carcass of the tiger's 

 kill to which it will return. 



Walking it up before beaters; i. e., shooting it 

 on foot. 



Natives also drive the tiger before a long line of 

 beaters into widely stretched nets which are then 

 closed and surrounded by fires and by men armed 

 with spears and guns. In Java this method is 

 elaborated into a " rampok," which includes free- 

 ing a trapped tiger within a large circle of several 

 rows deep made by men armed with spears. The 

 " game " is gradually to narrow the circle until 

 the charging and desperate beast is closed in by a 

 wall of sharp steel points which finally despatch 

 him. It is not a glorious game. Poison and 

 spring guns and traps are also used by natives 

 throughout the Orient to rid themselves of a man- 

 eater. 



19 



