478 THE FELID^ OF THE OLD WORLD 



they are dispersed on a long line, instead of forming a troop, 

 the only way to secure them against the attacks of the tiger. 

 Thus they advance with a dreadful noise of drums, horns and 

 pistol-firing, driving the wild beasts of the jungle towards 

 the scaffolding of their lord and master. At first the tigers, 

 startled from their slumbers, retreat before them, but generally 

 on approaching the scaffolding they guess the danger that 

 awaits them and turn with a formidable growl upon the drivers. 

 Sometimes, however, they summon resolution to rush with a few 

 tremendous bounds through the perilous pass, and their flight 

 is but rarely impeded by the ill-aimed shots of the ambuscade. 

 Nevertheless, great compliments are paid to the noble sportsman 

 for his ability and courage, and nobody says a word about the 

 poor low-born wretches, that may have been killed and muti- 

 lated by the infuriated brutes. 



Our gallant countryman managed his tiger-shooting excur- 

 sions on a very different plan. Provided with excellent double- 

 barrelled rifles, and accompanied by a troop of well-armed, 

 well-paid drivers, and a number of courageous dogs, he boldly 

 entered the jungle to rouse the tiger from his lair. In front of 

 the party generally marched the shikarree or chief driver, who 

 attentively reconnoitring the traces of the animal, pointed out 

 the direction that was to be followed. On his right and left 

 hand walked the English sportsmen, fully prepared for action, 

 and behind them the most trustworthy of their followers, with 

 loaded rifles ready for an exchange with those that had been 

 discharged. Then followed the music, consisting of four or five 

 tambour ins, a great drum, cymbals, horns, a bell, and the re- 

 peated firing of pistols, and convoyed by men armed with 

 swords and long halberds. A few slingsmen made up the rear, 

 who were constantly throwing stones into the jungle over the 

 heads of the foremost of the party, and even more effectually than 

 the noise of the music drove the tiger from his retreat. From 

 time to time one of the men climbed upon the summit of a 

 tree to observe the movements of the grass. The whole troop 

 constantly formed a close body. The tiger in cold blood is 

 never able to attack a company that announces itself in so 

 turbulent a manner. If he ventures it is only with half a 

 heart; he hesitates, stops at a short distance, and gives the 

 hunter time to salute him with a bullet. 



