PLAINS OF GYANIMA 139 



as large as a donkey, whose slot is heavier than that 

 of a i2-point stag. The hunting of a new species met 

 with for the first time is an interesting novelty for the 

 stalker, and the anticipation, when nearly about to be 

 realized, becomes absorbing. The climate of this high 

 elevation is of itself most exciting to the nerves, which 

 seem often too much strained, when sleeplessness is the 

 result, or very light and interrupted slumbers, which do 

 not rest one. Drinking tea perpetually also tends to 

 aggravate the complaint, and the greater rapidity of the 

 heart's and lungs' action combines to produce an excessive 

 tension resembling fever. The lot was drawn as to which 

 side of our camp each was to hunt the day following ; 

 and we were glad to he down on camp beds, which, if 

 narrow, were comfortable and warm enough. Dreams 

 of great rams' heads peering into the tent were so vivid 

 that one had to jump out of bed and drive away the 

 imaginary intruders. Scarcely had sleep come again to 

 weigh down the heavy eyes when the howl of a prowling 

 wolf round the tents and the fierce barking of the dogs 

 would rouse one with a startling reminder to feel for the 

 revolver under the pillow, and see that the rifles are tied 

 to the tent-pole. Would day never come ? Half a dozen 

 times matches were struck to look at the hour, and as 

 often a peep would be taken from the tent door to 

 look for the dawn ; but the stars still shone with 

 provoking brilliance, and the nakuar log* slept heavily 

 round the tents, and all seemed quiet and night un- 

 ending. 



At last it was the hour to begin the day's task : haziri 

 was served, and a sleepy start was made while still the 

 morning star shone brightly in the east, and a streak of 

 light along the horizon was all that could be seen. My 



* Servants. 



