ARRIVAL AT THE CAMP. 7 



since they started, a couple of hours before 

 dawn. 



All three were officers of one of the regiments 

 stationed at that flourishing station, Jehangeerpore, 

 and had obtained a month's leave of absence, which 

 space of time they intended to devote to the 

 destruction of as many tigers, bears, and other game 

 as they could possibly manage to annihilate. The 

 first stage of their proceedings was, as we have 

 seen, completed by their arrival at the camp whence 

 they purposed commencing operations. 



Though it must be acknowledged that the natives 

 of India are not usually gifted with a keen percep- 

 tion of the beauties of natural scenery, or imbued 

 with any particular appreciation of the picturesque, 

 yet there are certain requirements connected with 

 camp life, which not unfrequently cause them to 

 select decidedly pretty spots for the encampment. 

 This happens without any pre-arranged intention on 

 their part of so doing, or after consciousness of 

 having done it. Situations tolerably elevated or 

 airy, shade of trees, and vicinity of water, are the 

 agents by which this to the masters desirable 

 end is accomplished. A spot combining these 

 necessaries is sought ; and hence the most eligible 

 in those respects is, at the same time, usually 

 picturesque. 



