IN THE WURDWAN. 73 



hill-side : and with our best tactics and every effort to 

 circumvent Bruin, he was too many for us, and betook 

 himself to a timely retreat, ere we had approached 

 within five hundred yards of him. 



I enjoyed a magnificent prospect from the height we 

 had reached, which gave a beautiful view right down the 

 Wurdwan, for I should think, twenty or thirty miles ; 

 and the effects of the lengthening shadows of declining 

 day were extremely fine. How I wished I was an 

 artist, to be able to possess myself of that lovely scene. 



I was amply repaid for the fatigues I had undergone, 

 and became perfectly reconciled to my ill luck, and felt 

 quite content and thankful for the blessings I enjoy so 

 abundantly. 



27th May. Sunday. At daybreak this morning, when 

 in that state of indecision so often felt at that hour, 

 even by practical early risers like myself, as to turning 

 out forthwith to the raw and frosty air, or indulging in 

 the snug comforts of bed and blankets, Mooktoo intruded 

 his head into my canvas sanctum, and, with sparkling 

 eyes, said there was a bear on the hill side close by. I 

 replied, " It matters not ; I am not going after him ;" 

 on which he retired. I shortly got up and went out. 

 Sure enough, there was Bruin, as if conscious of security, 

 quietly selecting his herbage on the hill opposite my tent. 

 I could, by walking down to the river's bank he was 

 on the other side have got within eighty yards of him, 

 but allowed him the enjoyment of his Sabbath privileges, 

 and saw him, ere long, retire into the jungle. 



28th May. Off betimes up the Palgham path, a 

 heavy, steady pull, principally over snow, which at this 

 early hour was firm and afforded tolerable footing, but 

 after being subjected to the heat of the sun becomes 

 soft and treacherous, and very slippery. 



