14 DESCRIPTION OF A HUNQtTAH. 



of their villages, into the impenetrable covers on 

 the mountains, or into the ravines bordering on 

 large rivers, Without this precaution, it would 

 have been almost impossible for any one to have 

 lived in many parts of those countries. 



When the Rajah purposed to have a Hunquah, 

 his intention was made known to the inhabitants 

 sometime before, and no fires were kindled 

 within his Zemeendary, or Rajahship, until with- 

 in a day of the appointed time. 



A jungle having been selected into which the 

 animals were to be driven, the fires were then all 

 lighted together for the distance of from ten to 

 twenty miles around it, in every direction where 

 there were rivers or plains to intercept the pro- 

 gress of the fire and prevent its immediate com- 

 munication with the reserved cover; the conse- 

 quence was, that nearly all the animals in the 

 neighbourhood were compelled to take shelter in 

 the reserved jungle. 



The day before the hunt or driving commenced, 

 several hundred people were sent to the leeward* 



* The wind at that season seldom varies. 



