viii PREFACE 



one, hence it frequently occurs that the in- 

 experienced find themselves on the wild 

 snowfields of Gashmere in a state of ignor- 

 ance, which puts them at the mercy of the 

 shikari. They are forced to follow his advice 

 blindly, and chafe unreasonably at the con- 

 stant halts and wearisome checks which, 

 if their raison d'etre be not understood, 

 are most exasperating to the keen ; they 

 are inexpressibly trying, even if one is 

 lucky enough to have a good and reliable 

 shikari, but reduce the man to despair who 

 has reason to doubt his guide's ability or 

 good faith. 



In this case the way is far from smooth. 

 The shikari presumes at first on his 

 master's ignorance, and after a bit the 

 master, who has lost confidence without 

 gaining knowledge, issues orders and inter- 

 feres generally, in a manner which is fatal 

 to success. 



It is undeniable that the necessary in- 

 formation may be quickly acquired on the 

 spot by a man who is familiar with the 



