SNIPE-SHOOTING 31 



became a perfect retriever : he would remain at heel if told 

 or hunt if desired well within shot. My elephant got quite 

 accustomed to him, and would allow him to jump on and off, 

 but would not allow another dog to come near him. 



One day I hit a snipe ; it flew some way, then towered and 

 fell into the midst of a very large dense sugar-cane field. I 

 never expected to see that bird again, but involuntarily said : 

 " Go in and seek." He took the fence at a fly was not in the 

 field five minutes when he returned with the bird in his mouth. 

 Dogs don't last any time in India. I had him for three years, 

 and he then whilst romping round me fell dead of heart 

 disease, and I lost a dog that I was as fond of as of a child. 



Every now and then we hear a great outcry against snipe- 

 shooting in India. Those who are too lazy and devoid of energy 

 pronounce it unhealthy ; but all I can say is, that some of the 

 best-worn and healthiest men in India, even after forty years' 

 service, are those who have been devoted not only to big 

 game shooting, but have also been ardent and constant 

 followers of the long-bills. 



Of course if people whilst snipe-shooting drink brandy- 

 panee, smoke incessantly, wear linen, sit in their wet clothes 

 when they get home, probably in a draught or under a 

 punkah, or do other foolish things, they must expect to get 

 ill, as they deserve to do ; but for a healthy man who is also 

 ordinarily prudent, not only no harm, but positive benefit, will 

 be derived from following such sport. If a man is incapable 

 of standing a day's snipe-shooting, he is certainly unfit for 

 campaigning, and the sooner he retires and vegetates in his 

 club in London the better. Wading in mud and water is a 

 healthful recreation compared to sleeping through the greater 

 part of the day and constantly imbibing pegs and smoking 

 strong tobacco to excess. It is not men of an active disposi- 

 tion who suffer from an Indian climate, it is those of a 

 sedentary habit. With a proper covering to the head, which 

 can be bought for a rupee or two, a man can defy the fiercest 

 sun, and whilst moving about he need not fear getting or being 

 wet, especially if he wear flannel and change his clothes 

 directly he leaves off shooting, which is the best ; or, immedi- 

 ately he gets home, has a tepid bath and puts on clean clothes. 



