OF THE OLD WORLD. 241 



had been seen near the Colunda nullah, a small 

 mountain-stream a few miles to the north-east of 

 the hills. 



My gang did not need any orders to prepare ; for 

 as I entered the garden, I found them all assembled 

 in front of the gate in full shekar costume, ready to 

 start, and many a knowing look and broad grin they 

 gave me as I passed to don my leather hunting- 

 gear and prepare my battery and ammunition. The 

 cylindro-conical bullets of my rifle, as well as the 

 round ones I used in the smooth-bores, were made 

 of a mixture of lead and zinc, which amalgamation 

 1 prefer to any other for elephant -shooting, as 

 leaden balls are too soft, and flatten on striking a 

 bone, and brass balls, which are generally used, are 

 too light to carry truly. My preparations did not 

 take long to make, and in the course of a few 

 minutes I mounted my favourite nag, "Gooty," 

 accompanied by Chineah, Googooloo, Mootoo, and 

 the Gooroo, carrying my guns, axes, spears, tele- 

 scope, &c., a couple of Mulchers to show the road, 

 and a horse -keeper, who led a baggage- tattoo, 

 loaded with a large "combley^' blanket, which 

 served either as a covering or a tent, as occasion 

 required, a change of clothing, some prog and 

 tobacco. 



The moon was favourable, being at its zenith 

 as we passed the village of Coonoor, making the 

 niglit clear as day, and allowing us to enjoy the 

 magnificent scenery of the celebrated Coonoor Pass, 



Q 



