JACKAL HUNTING ON THE NEILGHEBBIES, 



1877. 



THE OOTACAMUND HOUNDS. 



You are already aware that the Ootacamund hounds have 

 their home and their sport on the grass-covered summits of the 

 Blue Mountains. From other sources most people know that 

 Ootacamund is the rendezvous of the Anglo-Indians of the 

 south fleeing en masse, as much as may be, from the purga- 

 tory of the hot weather of the plains. This year the famine 

 held the Governor, his Council, and all minor satellites fast 

 bound to their duty of charity and relief in the arid districts 

 below. In a few cases helpmates and offspring remained to 

 support the good men in their trial, and to share their priva- 

 tion. But such is not altogether the way in India ; and so, 

 though there was wanting, perhaps, whatever little element of 

 grave decorum might previously have held place in the society 

 of the hills, yet Ooty, apparently, suffered no lack of life or 

 energy in consequence. Its routine of gaiety was never more 

 unceasing; its whirligig of excitement was never pushed round 

 more merrily ; gossip never flew so blithely, nor reputation so 

 lightly ; tongues were no less glib ; ears were no less open. 

 Maidens were no more timid, matrons no less frisky, though 

 fathers and husbands were not there to guard them, and the 

 social wolf of India (who ever loves and never weds) beset their 

 path at every turn. Fearlessly and happily, as heretofore, they 

 gambolled on unceasingly. The rink had added a new attrac- 

 tion, and thither resorted daily the lambs who had pretty 

 ankles, while the lambs- who-had-not disported themselves on 

 the Badminton courts hard by lambs that were no longer 



