OF THE OLD WORLD. 283 



Hunting trips being every-day occurrences, but 

 little time was required for preparation either by 

 myself or my companion. I examined my battery 

 (which consisted of a pair of double rifles of ten- 

 gauge by Purdey, a pair of double smooth-bores by 

 Westley Richards, carrying two-ounce round balls, 

 and a couple of fowling-pieces), and saw that all 

 were in perfect order, and fitted with ammunition. 



I then paraded my " Skekarries," or hunting- 

 gang, which comprised Chineah, Googooloo, Naga, 

 Veerapah, Hassan, the Gooroo, Ali, and Ramasaw- 

 ney, eight stalwart fellows, all well tried and true, 

 and inspected their hunting-gear, clothing, and 

 equipments, so as to make sure that all were in 

 perfect marching trim, and fit to commence a 

 jungle campaign. My baggage ponies having been 

 re-shod, then passed muster with their burdens, 

 consisting of a small hill-tent, carpet, blankets, 

 cooking-apparatus, rice-bags, &c., and finally my 

 dogs, four huge creatures, any two of which would 

 bring a bear to bay, or a hog to a standstill. 



In the meantime B paid a visit to Framjee's 



celebrated emporium for what the French term 

 '^comestibles," and filled out two pairs of large 

 " cowry " * baskets, with everything necessary for 

 the support of the " inner man," at the same time 

 engaging a couple of stout coolies to carry them. 



All being in readiness, I gave orders to Chineah, 



* Round wicker-baskets, which are slung at each end of a 

 bamboo, and carried over the shoulder. 



