A TOUGH CUSTOMER. 15 



and mangold, and brings back vividly to memory 

 days when ' all the world was young,' and life 

 had but few cares. 



Ah, me ! what would not one give to live some 

 of those years over again, and participate once 

 more in the darling sports of one's youth ? Once 

 more feel the quick bounding stride of the game 

 Arab, and poise the glittering spear ! Once more 

 watch, with finger on the trigger of our trusty 

 rifle, for the king of the jungle approaching with 

 noiseless and stealthy footfall ! Once more face 

 the charge of a gallant old bull bison, or again 

 wander through the trackless depths of the virgin 

 forest in quest of the lordly sambur and elegant 

 cheetal ! 



It is somewhat difficult to contrast British and 

 Indian field sports further than by attempting to 

 point out the extent to which they differ to my 

 mind in no slight degree. British field sports 

 have the charm, and that no slight one, of being 

 pursued with greater ease and less personal dis- 

 comfort to their votary, whilst the Indian sports- 

 man must prepare himself for both exposure to 

 sun and storm, to discomforts of all kinds, to 

 constant failures and disappointments, to trials of 

 temper and health, and to wear and tear of con- 

 stitution. But, on the other hand, his rewards 

 are great, and his exertions are certain to win for 



