XXXV111. 



as to visit the Temple, the carving on the walls of which is perfectly 

 wonderful and most beautfully executed ; some of the dancing girls 

 and other figures are perfect gems, and the scrolls of exquisite 

 pattern. The brickwork door topped with metal plates, is different to 

 any I have seen in Southern India, the carvings reminded me of those 

 in Java ; the Temple of Haliabede, which we visited the next, day, is 

 still more elaborate and even more beautiful. There are two gigantic 

 bulls at the entrance." 



In August, J 870, his health being very indifferent, he obtained 

 three months' leave and went to Australia. He visited St. George's 

 Sound, Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, and returned to Madras in 

 November much recruited in health. He finally left India after thirty- 

 five years' service, on the 20th June, 1 871, and arrived at Southampton 

 on the 29th July following. 



The "Oriental Sporting Magazine," in noticing his departure, has 

 the following passage: — 



" The great Sportsman and Shikarie who has recently left these 

 " hills for England on account of failing health, is Colonel Douglas 

 " Hamilton, than whom a truer friend, a more kindly gentleman, a 

 " keener observer of nature, and a more enthusiastic sportsman it has 

 " never been our good fortune to know. The regret at his departure 

 " is universal. We may truly state that he has legitimately shot more 

 " game on these hills than any other sportsman, and a sight of the 

 " trophies that adorn the walls of his house, of the sketches and 

 ' incidents of the chase, and the relation thereof was a rich treat, 

 " and one never again to be experienced." 



From 1872 to 1887 he annually rented a moor and deer forest in 

 Scotland, for the purpose of following his favourite pursuit of deer 

 stalking, and many a grand stag has fallen to his rifle. The invigorat- 

 ing air of the Highlands restored his health and strength in a 

 remarkable manner, and the way in which, after running at racing 

 pace for some distance to intercept a stag, he would put his rifle to 

 his shoulder, and bring him down when in full career was wonderful. 

 His habit of shooting with a rifle when standing, used to elicit ex- 

 pressions of surprise from those who happened to be out with him. 



