154 VIZIER'S SPORTING. 



fortunate keeper whose bird caught it, received a 

 reward in like manner. 



When their track was over a barren uncultivated 

 plain, where no animals or birds were likely to 

 be seen, to amuse the Vizier, some of the native 

 gentlemen sallied forth, informing him, that they 

 had agreed, for a bet, to ride a race to a given 

 spot before them. Bets on the winner were imme- 

 diately made by most of the party, and often to a 

 very large amount. To a European the race was 

 a most ludicrous one ; the legs and arms of the 

 riders appeared in quicker motion than the feet 

 of the horses, while their knees were almost on a 

 level with the point of the shoulder. The horses 

 also being much on their haunches, gallopped high, 

 and, being encumbered with a variety of loose 

 trappings and ornaments, made more noise than 

 speed. 



At other times, tumbling boys, girls, and men, 

 exhibited their wonderful agility and skill in front 

 of his Highness. As soon as a herd of antelopes, 

 or other deer, made their appearance, the line of 

 elephants halted, or proceeded slowly; at the 

 same time, the cavalry quickened their pace, and 



