74 MODERN PIG-STICKING CHAP. 



probably be more effective as it has a sharper and finer 

 point. 



The various forms of riding pig, alone, in Tent 

 Clubs, and on trips are so often referred to in various 

 chapters that there is no need to say any more 

 about them. However you hunt, three methods 

 are open to you, beating a cover, beating on a line, 

 and " gooming " alone. All these are also described 

 elsewhere. 



I must just add that I personally much prefer 

 hunting with a line to beating a cover. In the 

 latter there are inevitably tedious waits ; one is 

 taking no hand in the beating, and the country 

 between is generally easy going, often fields. In 

 Central India, and over the big cactus fences of 

 Guzerat, the last objection does not exist. 



I prefer the beating in line through the long grass, 

 as in the churs of Bengal and all our Kadir lands. 

 There is no tiring waiting, there is a constant 

 excitement. The sea of grass, with its jhow, its 

 river-beds, and winding nullahs, calls forth in the 

 highest degree the boldness of the horse and the 

 hunting qualities of the rider. In 



The yellow waving grasses, league long on either hand, 

 With cloudless skies and sun-dimmed eyes and burning river 

 sand, 



there is a sense of freedom, of elation as boundless 

 and as healthful as the sea. 



I will say no more on these subjects, but I cannot 

 close this subject without a brief allusion to the 

 kindred pursuits of polo and hunting. Com- 

 parisons in either case are impossible. But it may 

 be of interest to consider shortly some of the merits 

 and demerits of each. 



