A SOLITARY BULL 197 



is found. The ground became uneven, the jungle more dense, 

 and we moved along with the utmost caution. In front there 

 was a heavy fringe of bamboo, extending to a considerable 

 distance north and south. We approached it from the east, 

 with the wind such as it was in our faces. 



The belt was nearly half-a-mile broad ; in one part the 

 bamboos had flowered and were dead, but the remainder 

 were most luxuriant and on the point of blossoming, but they 

 also would all be dead before six months were over; for, 

 directly after flowering, all bamboos die the seed falls to the 

 ground and the young shoots spring up ; are protected in a 

 great measure by the dead canes which have fallen down, 

 otherwise they would soon be devoured by the wild beasts. 

 Thus the forest which succeeds is far denser than the one they 

 replace. A forest of bamboos in flower is a lovely sight, but 

 one seldom seen. The seed is very nutritious, and, if within 

 reach of a village, the people collect it and use it in lieu of rice. 



Owing to the impenetrable nature of the dead canes, we 

 could not get to the nearest salt-lick, and it was close upon 

 nine before we got to the others. It was then getting un- 

 commonly hot, and the game had all retired to its fastnesses. 

 Shoay Boh said there was usually a solitary gaur about, but 

 up to twelve o'clock we saw no signs of him. It is no use 

 searching for game in the heat of the day, 1 so I sat down, took 

 my breakfast, got into a comfortable position under shade, 

 and went fast asleep. When I awoke the shikarie was 

 absent. I could do nothing wandering alone in these solitudes, 

 beyond losing myself, so I made myself comfortable, and 

 with the last Field whiled away the time. 



Shoay Boh did not return till past four. He then beckoned 

 me to follow, and taking up a pet 'S77, carrying 6J drams 

 of powder and a solid conical in each barrel, giving him the 

 smooth-bore, off we set. He whispered he had seen the marks 

 of the " solitaire " ; after going a mile we crossed over a 

 nullah and made for some hilly ground, covered with dense 

 jungle, and with pendant vines, creepers, and rattan cane. We 

 could only progress by following paths made by wild beasts, a 

 most devious course. Although he had not seen the monster he 



1 Unless you are tracking up an animal. 



