OF THE OLD WOULD, 209 



from six montlis to two years, in order to recruit 

 their health, during which time they draw their 

 full pay and allowances, which, from some stupid 

 fancy of the East India Board, is not the case wdien 

 they are obliged to return to Europe. The conse- 

 quence is, that Ooty somewhat resembles a fast 

 watering-place, and is extremely gay ; balls, parties, 

 and picnics being of common occurrence. 



Surrounded by splendid hunting-grounds, it is 

 the head-quarters of sportsmen ; for wherever there 

 is anything to hunt that promises sport. English- 

 men are sure to set out in pursuit. As a nation 

 we are essentially sportsmen, for the chase in all 

 its branches seems indigenous to the country. 

 Taking, for example, the officers of our army and 

 navy, who are scattered all over the face of the 

 globe, thousands of miles from their native land, we 

 find that neither a burning sun and the enervating 

 influence of a tropical climate, nor an icy tempera- 

 ture, can damp their ardour for field-sports, which, 

 notwithstanding every disadvantage, they endeavour 

 to keep up. Such being the case, it is not therefore 

 surprising that in Ooty there is a well-established 

 subscription pack of hounds for hunting the fox 

 and jackal, besides several private ones of beagles, 

 spaniels, and cockers for driving the covers. In no 

 part of Great Britain are woodcock more eagerly 

 followed than on the hills, and every year large 

 sums of money change hands in wagers as to what 

 sportsman will kill the first cock. The season 







