198 The Hunting Grounds 



paces of it before I gave the signal to fire by a 



low " Coo." B , D , Chineah, and myself, 



let drive double shots, and our volley threw the herd 

 into such confusion that some of us had time to make 

 use of second guns before those that were unwounded 

 could get away. 



When the smoke had cleared, we found five dead, 

 and four others wounded, which we despatched. 



Both B and myself felt that it was a poaching 



kind of game, so we did not care to continue it, and 

 returned to the tent ; but D and Chineah re- 

 mained in the ambuscade all night, and managed to 

 bag another buck-elk and four spotted-deer, besides 

 which the gang, with the dogs' assistance, next 

 morning brought in five other deer, which they found 

 dead or wounded some distance off in the jungle. 

 The game proved very acceptable to the Mulcher 

 tribes who roam about these jungles ; and the gang 

 jerked a considerable quantity of venison, or rather 

 converted it into what they term " Ding-ding," by 

 cutting the meat into long strips, which they rub with 

 salt, ground spices, and dry in the sun, until it 

 becomes as hard as a board. When required for use, 

 it is allowed to soak in water for a couple of hours to 

 soften, and is then broiled over embers, when it is not 

 at all unpalateable, and often constituted the prin- 

 cipal part of a Shekarry's fare whilst on trail. 



During the next three days, although we constantly 



