240 SHIKAR SKETCHES. 



from about four o'clock in the afternoon. When 

 alarmed, the cheetal utters a short, sharp bark, 

 and this often betrays the presence of a tiger or 

 panther to the sportsman. 



To my mind the pursuit of cheetal has an in- 

 describable charm, and the surroundings and the 

 time at which it is conducted all tend to endear 

 it to the sportsman. Come with me, kind reader, 

 and in imagination we will try to shoot one of 

 these graceful animals. 



We have wandered forth from our camp say 

 about four o'clock in the afternoon, and have en- 

 tered a large tract of jungle composed of forest 

 trees, and clumps of the feathery, graceful bam- 

 boo which, meeting overhead, form arches, through 

 which charming vistas of nature are visible. To 

 our right a little rivulet meanders through a 

 grassy glade, and the sound of running water 

 falls with pleasing cadence on our ears, whilst the 

 glitter and sparkle of the tiny wavelets, as the 

 evening sun falls on them, enhances the beauty 

 of the sylvan scene. Stop, though ! what is this ? 

 A collection of hard kernels of the bher fruit, 

 undigested and piled in a heap in fact, fresh 

 droppings of cheetal. We know, therefore, that 

 the object of our search must be near, so let us 

 proceed cautiously, keeping a good look-out, for 

 it is extraordinary how difficult cheetal often 



