10 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



wooded with low jungle ; but, in the numerous 

 ravines, or, more correctly speaking, basin-like clefts 

 which seamed the rocky front of the first range, 

 there grew every here and there fine forest-trees. 

 Dispersed among these somewhat plentifully was 

 the mowar tree, on the sweet, fleshy, and flower- 

 like fruit of which bears delight to feed. From 

 it also is distilled a spirit, regarding which it 

 may briefly be said that it is alike potent and 

 detestable. 



The masses of overturned rock and caves which 

 girt in many places the precipitous sides of these 

 jungle fastnesses, afforded secure and pleasant re- 

 treat to those animals. They afforded shelter from 

 the noon-day sun, whilst their chosen food was close 

 at hand for nightly depredation. Water, too, was 

 in the vicinity ; so that it formed altogether a small 

 terrestrial ursine paradise. Tigers also would not 

 unfrequently lie in these secluded spots. The cattle 

 of the villagers, it is true, often fell victims to a 

 tigrish appetite for beef ; but samber, neilghye, and 

 cheetul all of which abounded in the hills formed 

 perhaps the larger portion of their bill of fare. 



It will thus be seen that the district was well 

 adapted for the successful prosecution of a campaign 

 against the larger wild beasts, or, as it is usually 

 called, " big game." The country being favourable, 



