SHOOT A BEAR 411 



Having made up his mind on the subject he pulled the 

 left trigger, and the tiger sank to the ground on all-fours with 

 its head resting on its paws, the bullet having pierced its 

 brain. 



I remember having a somewhat similar experience with my 

 first bear. I had been beating for sambur in the neighbour- 

 hood of Pinlebu Katha district, and had just driven two 

 covers, when a villager turned up and informed me that he 

 had seen a bear enter a patch of jungle some 300 yards off. 

 We proceeded thither without any delay, and after posting 

 two other guns, one on either side of me, some 150 yards 

 apart, the beaters began their work. 



My position overlooked the ravine in which the bear was 

 supposed to have taken up his quarters, and I also had a clear 

 view of the ground to the right, left, and front. Before the 

 beaters started work, I had ordered the villagers to tie up 

 three dogs which they had brought with them, as I was afraid 

 the bear would break away in an entirely opposite direction 

 to that by which he was expected to emerge from the cover. 

 The beaters were now making enough noise to awaken the 

 seven sleepers. As the wind was rather high I could not hear 

 anything moving inside the jungle. A barking deer suddenly 

 appeared in view, about 1 50 yards off, and began to trot along 

 the side of the cover towards me. As I did not wish to alarm 

 the bear I let it go unmolested. A minute or so afterwards I 

 heard two or three sharp hoarse grunts, followed by yells from 

 the beaters, and at the same time saw a number of the latter 

 ascending trees like monkeys. After a few shouts of inquiry, I 

 ascertained that the bear had broken back but had not left 

 the cover. It was now suggested that the three dogs should 

 be brought back and taken into the cover with the beaters, 

 who were to begin the drive over again. The dogs were then 

 let loose, and the beaters recommenced their work with more 

 confidence, perhaps, than on the first occasion. In a few 

 minutes I heard two or three sharp yelps, and knew that the 

 pariahs had given tongue on scenting the bear. It was not 

 long before Bruin appeared lumbering along with a heavy 

 tread. On reaching the open he stopped, and turned round to 

 listen, twisting his snout in every conceivable direction and 



