158 SHIKAR SKETCHES. 



return and make his report, saying two tigers had 

 taken up their abode near such and such a village, 

 another near so and so, and so on. To these 

 points in rotation, according as they presented 

 the most convenience on our line of march, we 

 directed our camp. 



On arrival the shikari would, by inquiry and 

 personal inspection of the jungle, satisfy himself 

 that the tiger, or tigers, were still in the vicinity. 

 This he would do by looking out for fresh tracks. 

 It being assured that the animal was about, some 

 half-dozen young, bull-buffalo calves would be 

 purchased for a trifling sum from the villagers. 

 These would then be tied up in the evening at 

 different spots where the tiger was known to pass, 

 and left there all night. These were termed 

 x hailas.' 



The tiger, in his nocturnal rambles, would come 

 across one of these ' baits,' promptly kill it, and 

 carry it off to some secluded spot, where he would 

 leave it, after gorging himself well, and then sleep 

 off the effects of his heavy meal close by. In the 

 morning the shikari, or perhaps one of the sports- 

 men, would go the round of these tied-up calves, 

 and, if one was missing, the first thing he would 

 do would be to cast his eyes round the surround- 

 ing trees. If on their tops he saw any number of 

 vultures congregated, he might be assured of the 



