AN EXPLORATION IN THE FAR EAST. 401 



who liad the shot (in stalking a herd together we always 

 arranged by turns who should have the first shot), killed a 

 cow. We followed the herd a long way, and wounded another, 

 but could not bag. For a long time after this we were em- 

 ployed in the forests, and though we saw a few, never had 

 time to hunt them, until, near the MaMnadi river, we came 

 out on a cultivated plain, of which a large bull and four cows 

 had completely taken possession, devastating the rice, and 

 charging indiscriminately at all who approached. A Baboo 

 from the nearest police station had come out a little while 

 before to rid the place of the invader, but contented himself 

 with firing away all his ammunition at half a mile's distance 

 from the top of a house, and the bull remained monarch of 

 all he surveyed. We had scarcely entered on the plains when 

 the owner of the ruined rice-fields pointed out his enemy 

 looming against the horizon as large as an elephant, and we at 

 once made preparations for the attack. The place was as 

 level and open as a billiard-table, so we had to rely on our 

 rifles alone. We were both heavily armed with two-ounce 

 rifles, however, and several smaller guns in reserve, so we 

 marched straight on the foe, with our very miscellaneous pack 

 of dogs under orders to be let go at the first shot. The bull 

 and his harem came boldly down to meet us, and as we ap- 

 proached commenced his usual demonstrations to put us to 

 flight, pawing the earth with his feet, tossing his mighty 

 horns, and making short runs in our direction. But we 

 steadily advanced, and when within about eighty yards 

 separated a little, so that one should get a flank shot, the full 

 front of the buffalo being practically proof against lead It 

 was my turn for first shot, and when about sixty yards in- 

 tervened I knelt down and brought the heavy rifle to bear on 

 the point of his shoulder. Crash went two ounces of lead, 



D 1) 



