190 THE HUNTING GROUNDS 



of US had time to make use of second guns before 

 those that were unwounded could get away. 



When the smoke had cleared, we found five dead, 

 and four others wounded, which we despatched. 



Both B and myself felt that it was a poaching 



kind of game, so we did not care to continue it, and 

 returned to the tent ; but D and Chineah re- 

 mained in the ambuscade all night, and managed to 

 bag another buck-elk and four spotted-deer, besides 

 which the gang, with the dogs' assistance, next 

 morning brought in five other deer, which they 

 found dead or wounded some distance off in the 

 jungle. The game proved very acceptable to the 

 Mulcher tribes who roam about these jungles ; and 

 the gang jerked a considerable quantity of venison, 

 or rather converted it into what they term " Ding- 

 ding," by cutting the meat into long strips, which 

 they rub with salt, ground spices, and dry in the 

 sun, until it becomes as hard as a board. When 

 required for use, it is allowed to soak in water for a 

 couple of hours to soften, and is then broiled over 

 embers, when it is not at all unpalatable, and often 

 constitutes the principal part of a Shekarry's fare 

 whilst on trail. 



During the next three days, although we con- 

 stantly made long excursions into the jungle, we 

 were very unsuccessful in meeting with large game, 

 only killing a few deer for food. One evening, as I 

 was returning towards the tent after a long weary 

 fag, during which I had not pulled trigger, Chineah 



