SHIKAR TENT. 461 



telescope with large field ; and, if you be disciples of the 

 immortal Izaak, your fishing-tackle. To these may be added 

 a couple of pairs of strong shooting-boots well shod with 

 square-headed nails, and a few pairs of very thick double- 

 heeled and double-toed worsted stockings. Tents and all 

 other requisites, even to a Warren's cooking-pot, can easily 

 be procured in India, and most of them will be more suitable 

 for the purpose they are intended than the things you may 

 spare yourselves the trouble of carrying so far with you. 



The tent I have always used, and which, I think, will be 

 found comfortable and portable, as well as suitable for pitch- 

 ing on a limited space, is of the following description. 

 Material, the common cotton cloth of India called " dosootee " 

 as being light and easily dried lined with coarse white 

 (as being more cheerful than the ordinary black) native 

 blanket. Width of tent, 9 feet; length from pole to pole, 

 7$ feet ; height 6 feet, with small hanging walls at the 

 sides 9 inches deep. Four short ropes of thin but strong 

 cord, for making fast to pegs on each side ; and a stay-rope 

 for each upright pole, of the same material. The ridge and 

 upright poles to be of thin strong male bamboo. Front end 

 of tent to open from top to bottom, but made so as to overlap 

 well when closed either with strings or leather buttons. Back 

 end to open in like manner, but made to lace up, with a flap 

 to button over the lacing in order to keep out the wind. By 

 this means the tent can be thrown wide open at both ends 

 for a free current of air during hot weather. In order to 

 resist the wear and tear of stones, which in Tibet are often 

 piled round the bottom of the tent, it should be edged all 

 round with coarse thick tape called "newar," four inches 

 wide. Such a kind of little tent, or " shuldarree " as in India 

 it is called, can be carried by one man, and the poles used as 

 walking-staves by the coolies. A second tent of a similar 

 description will be required for your servants. In tin- 

 Himalayas, tent-pegs can generally be cut near at hand ; but 



