EXPENDITURE OF AMMUNITION. 39 



to make it reasonably sure of killing. There arc 

 several reasons for this. There is the excitement. 

 The beast, too, is usually moving in thick jungle, 

 or, if in the open, at a gallop. Snap-shots and 

 those very frequently, when only a portion of 

 the body is visible are rather the rule than the 

 exception. All these circumstances conduce to 

 missing ; and almost fabulous would be considered 

 by the inexperienced the amount of ammunition 

 sometimes expended, and but few wounds to show 

 how much had been expended in vain. Besides, a 

 large powerful animal like a tiger or bear requires 

 not only to be struck vitally, but in a part exercising 

 an immediate influence over the motive power. 

 Though mortally wounded, a beast will often strive 

 and fight, perhaps for hours ; and not unfrequently 

 escape altogether, to die in some secluded spot, a 

 feast for jackals, but yielding no trophies to his 

 victors. 



At the long and difficult shots which had dis- 

 tinguished the affray, our hunters may be considered 

 as fortunate in having been so successful in their 

 shooting. 



After giving the necessary directions, the three 

 sent for their ponies and cantered off to the tents. 



It was nearly sunset, however, before the beaters, 

 who, in relays, staggered under the weight of the 



