x PREFACE 



an egotist who forgets that they are human, 

 with bodies and feelings like his own. 



It is with the idea of suggesting these 

 first principles, and of preparing the de- 

 butant for the chivalrous, manly, but child- 

 like character of his assistants that I have 

 ventured to record my first experiences. 



I have not dealt with such matters as 

 maps, routes, arms, and the like, as informa- 

 tion on such points becomes rapidly anti- 

 quated and is best obtained at the time. 

 I will only remark that with the exception 

 of the rifle, telescope and ammunition, the 

 necessary equipment is best acquired in 

 Srinagar itself. The best shikaris can only 

 be got by means of a letter of introduction, 

 and it is wisest to leave the choice of ground 

 to them. 



The points I wish to emphasize are : 

 first, the absolute necessity for some general 

 knowledge of the habits and mode of life 

 of the ibex ; and secondly, of the character 

 of the shikari. 



The hill-man is a most charming fellow 



