10 WILD MEN AND WILD BEASTS. 



are much averse to the destruction of animal life, and en- 

 deavour in every way in their power to thwart the sportsman ; 

 and, as they are generally the grain-dealers and money-lenders 

 of the place, they have sometimes considerable influence among 

 the rest of the inhabitants, and can occasion small annoyances 

 by withholding milk and other supplies from Europeans. 



When an intelligent officer is in charge of a district, these 

 little games are not often tried on, and these gentlemen are 

 not allowed to annoy others who may not have the same 

 religious views as themselves. But occasions have been 

 known when, in a fit of fervour, they have not hesitated to 

 incite the villagers to personal violence against Europeans 

 who had offended them, either by the pursuit of game or the 

 slaughter of some obnoxious Pariah dog who had intruded 

 his impure presence in the neighbourhood of the camp. 



Sportsmen would do well always to shun the close proxi- 

 mity of villages, even though good shade may not be obtained 

 at a distance. During the presence of cholera and other 

 epidemics, the cleanliness of an encampment is a great 

 guarantee to health, and all ground near any native town or 

 village is more or less filthy. 



The water-supply should be carefully attended to, every 

 care being taken to secure it as pure as possible, and the 

 attendants should be discouraged from coming more in con- 

 tact with the villagers than is necessary for procuring the 

 requisite supplies of food, etc. 



HOT WEATHER EXCURSION. 



The success of the European hunter in quest of large game 

 in India will depend greatly on the ability and diligence 

 of his shikarees, and their subordinates. If the ability exists, 

 rupees will generally draw out the other requisite. 



