NIGHT-WATCHING FOR TIGERS. 285 



the fair outwitting of the subtle beast ou his own ground ! Give him who 

 prefers the horn-and-tomtom system his diabolical appliances, his calorific 

 post ; but the solitary watch in the hushed evening hours for the lover of 

 nature, for him who can feel the true romance and poetry of solitude in the 

 jungles. 



It was not until I had made many unsuccessful attempts to shoot tigers 

 by watcliing — never even seeing one — and had cheerfully put down my 

 want of success on each occasion to sheer bad luck, that I began to con- 

 sider in the ample hours I had aloft for reflection, w^hether there might 

 not be some mistakes in the arrangements we made for their reception 

 to account for tigers never putting in an appearance, especially as any 

 carcass that was not watched was always revisited. I then saw some of 

 the errors we made, and since rectifying them have been fairly successful. 

 I will therefore venture upon some hints which may perhaps be of service 

 to others. 



The reasons why tigers fail to show again at their kills are, either that 

 they have been disturbed in their mid-day retreat whilst the platform was 

 being put up, or have winded or heard the sportsman upon returning to 

 feed. As the tiger kills his prey with the intention of eating it, so he will 

 surely return unless disturbed. To avoid alarming him, the best plan is to 

 tie up a bullock (a natural kill will seldom do as well) in some quiet 

 locality two or three hundred yards from any place where he can remain 

 during the day, and where the line he will take in returning to the place is 

 well defined. This is necessary, as the sportsman can thus have his plat- 

 form prepared without fear of the tiger's being within hearing, and post himself 

 so that his scent (it should be remembered that the prevailing breezes often 

 change at sunset) may not be blown towards the tiger on his return. These 

 essential points being seen to, it only remains to have the mechdn com- 

 fortably prepared, and for the sportsman to keep absolutely quiet, and take 

 up his post sufficiently early. The mechdn should be about six feet long 

 and three broad, with its length towards the kill, a hole about six inches 

 square being left amongst the leafy branches with which it is to be screened, 

 to see and shoot from. A mattress, pillows, rug, and water-bottle should 

 not be forgotten, as without comfort much of the pleasure of the sport is 

 lost. A book should be taken to read till dusk. I never hesitated to 

 smoke whilst upon the watch ; it can do no harm, as if the tiger is in a 

 position to wind the smoke he will most certainly smell the smoker, and 

 tobacco will then add no extra terrors to his flight. I need hardly say that 

 the sportsman must make no audible movement, and can oidy remain per- 

 fectly still if lying down ; in sitting up the feet go asleep, and it then 



