64 TIGERS. 



" the wedge introduced between the inside and 

 " the extended string of the bow, operates as a 

 " lever; for when any power, such as the step 

 " of a tiger, presses against the string, and 

 " causes it to depart from its right line, the 

 " wedge must nessesarily give way to the force, 

 " and turn the extending stick downwards ; there- 

 " by setting it at liberty, and occasioning the 

 '* bow to act instantaneously. 



" Such is the velocity of the arrow, and so 

 " quick does this simple contrivance act, that 

 " tigers are, for the most part, shot near the 

 " shoulder. But even were it less rapid, we 

 " might naturally conjecture, that the tiger, feel- 

 " ing his leg obstructed by the line, would pause, 

 " arid afford ample time for the arrow to take 

 " effect, before he could completely pass its range. 

 " Generally, tigers fall within two hundred yards 

 " from the fatal spot, they being most frequently 

 " struck through the lungs, and sometimes straight 

 " through the heart. If the arrow be poisoned, 

 " as is most frequently the case, locality is no 

 " particular object; though without doubt, such 

 " wounds as would of themselves prove effectual, 

 " unaided by the venom, give the Shecarrie 

 " least trouble. The poison never fails to kill 



