ADVENTURES IN CAMP AND JUNGLE. 93 



also defrayed out of this fund, the other half being paid by 

 the sportsmen present. The meets generally lasted from four 

 to six days alternate days being devoted to hunting and 

 shooting. 



The locality being fixed on, the mess-tent was sent out, 

 and every man intending to be present sent on his servants 

 with a small sleeping-tent and a goodly store of provender 

 of all kinds both solid and fluid and as many horses 

 and ponies as he could muster. The shikaree and his assist- 

 ants were out long before daybreak, and took up positions in 

 trees whence they could watch the pigs as they returned to 

 the coverts from their feeding grounds. By eight o'clock he 

 generally reappeared, and gave in his report to the captain of 

 the Hunt, by whom the programme for the day was arranged. 

 About 9 A.M. there used to be a general shout for breakfast, 

 and each man's servant brought in a dish or two to the mess- 

 tent, and the table speedily groaned with viands of sorts. 



The appearance of our camp was highly effective. It was 

 generally situated in some grove of grand old mangoes. In 

 the centre stood the mess-tent, amongst the trees were dotted 

 the small sleeping tents, and besides each of these were picketed 

 three or four steeds, whose numerous attendants lay about on 

 the ground wherever they could find shade. By half-past ten 

 we were in the saddle, and seldom had far to go before reach- 

 ing the covert-side. The horsemen were sent to their places 

 by the captain, and though at times some were unruly, we 

 were, for the most part, orderly and well conducted. Our 

 favourite meet was at Dongurwah, about thirty miles to the 

 north of Ahmedabad. Pigs were always plentiful, and on the 

 alternate days there was abundance of game of all kinds, for 

 both gun and rifle. 



The mess-table was always liberally supplied. In addition 



