BULLET AND SHOT 



change is often a difficulty when in camp, and 

 if a rupee be given to every fourth man in the 

 line, the necessity for carrying a quantity of small 

 silver is obviated. Gun wads are often employed 

 for this purpose, but the natives are becoming too 

 cunning for so simple a check. 



After the sportsmen have been settled, the 

 ladder-carriers may be either sent back to join the 

 beaters, or be utilised as stops ; but in either case 

 they must be impressed with the necessity for 

 absolute silence, and a trustworthy man should, 

 moreover, accompany them, not only to prevent 

 their making any noise, but also their going where 

 they might give their wind to the tiger, should he 

 be lying in the expected position. 



All being ready, the beat will begin, and now, 

 except to make a straight shot should the chance 

 offer, the sportsmen are helpless, and, apart from 

 luck, success depends entirely upon the beaters. 

 The beat should not be begun too near to the 

 expected position of the tiger, nor the guns be 

 posted where there is a large open ; otherwise the 

 animal, should he come to its edge, will probably 

 gallop across it, and so afford only a risky and 

 difficult shot. At the same time, it is essential that 

 the undergrowth round the posts must not be so 

 dense as to rob either of the guns of a chance of 

 making a good shot, should the tiger approach his 

 position. The "golden mean" is the safest guide. 



When the tiger is viewed, the nearest gun should 

 let him come as close as possible, and then, when 

 he is nearly level with the line of posts, and if he 



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