14 WILD MEN AND WILD BEASTS. 



beasts ascertained. There is generally some covert not far 

 off, which the tigers may be expected to make for when started, 

 and all this information can usually be gathered from some 

 of the natives of the spot, who will have been induced by the 

 shikarees to assist them in marking the game. 



Tigers are found in great variety of ground. At times I 

 have found them lying almost in the open, or in ground quite 

 clear of under-covert ; on other occasions they lie in high 

 grass or in dense bushes. Bocks, caves, and ravines with 

 water, are favourite spots, and above all the tiger seems to de- 

 light in the thick shade of willows and cypress as found in 

 large masses in the partly dried-up beds of rivers. 



The mode of attack will depend on the ground and the 

 means at the disposal of the hunters, but much of the success 

 of an expedition will rest on having at least one good elephant ; 

 and to insure this, I would recommend the hunters, before 

 leaving England, to endeavour to get a good letter of introduc- 

 tion to the Governor of the Presidency where they may 

 intend to shoot. There are some good elephants in the Com- 

 missariat department, and I believe one or more of these 

 might be got for their keep say 5s. each per day. Many of 

 the native chiefs have good elephants, and if they know that 

 they will be well used they will generally lend them in their 

 own territory ; but, if possible, I think it would be preferable to 

 obtain one from the Commissariat. This arrangement should 

 be made at once on landing in India, and if necessary a 

 howdah should be made during the cold weather, and all the 

 gear got ready before the month of February. 



None but really staunch elephants should be employed 

 a runaway is most dangerous and a good and plucky mahout 

 is essential. An elephant will no more go steadily up to a 

 tiger when driven by a funky mahout than a horse will at 



