42 TO THE WURDWAN. 



me, bringing as a propitiatory 'nuzzur/ some of his cakes 

 of bread, which I had formerly commended, and two jars 

 of delicious honey. My stout friend is by no means loqua- 

 cious, and is blind of one eye ; but with the other he 

 steadily contemplated me, appearing to receive much in- 

 ward satisfaction therefrom. 



He brought with him, and introduced, a renowned 

 shikany, a fine-looking middle-aged man, who said he 

 was desirous of an intervieAV, as he had heard so much 

 of my character as a hunter. It is true that in this 

 country it needs but small exploits to win fame, so expan- 

 sive is rumour, the inhabitants delighting in tattle, and 

 magnifying their consequence by exalting the performances 

 and success of the saheb they attend in the chase. But 

 I suspect my sporting visitor had other views, more inter- 

 ested perhaps, hoping for employment. I was really 

 pleased to see the ' lumbadar/ who was most civil and 

 obliging last year. He was detained by the continued 

 rain, so I gave orders for the due entertainment of him- 

 self and followers, who found suitable accommodation in 

 the village. 



14th May. We moved on towards the Wurdwan, the 

 path leading up the Nah-bugh valley, which gradually 

 narrowed, cultivation appearing only at intervals, until it 

 ceased altogether, as the valley became transformed into 

 a wild, rugged ravine, shut in by steep and lofty hills, 

 dotted with firs. We advanced to the foot of the pass, 

 nearly to the snow, and there encamped. 



I went out in the afternoon to look for game, and 

 ascended some steep hills, very hard work ; having tra- 

 versed much ground without seeing anything, I sat down, 

 peering from an eminence, down on the slopes below, like 

 an eagle from his eyrie. One of the shikarries went a 

 little further on, and shortly gave notice of game in view: 



