212 The Hunting Grounds 



save by those who have themselves experienced the 

 charms and fascinations of " forest life, 5 ' and enjoyed 

 its pure and heart-felt pleasures. To him it possesses 

 a peculiar spell, not to be found elsewhere ; and, far 

 away from the haunts of man, he gives no care to the 

 turmoil and bustle of the busy world but loves to 

 study Nature in her grandest forms, and silent un- 

 sullied beauty, whilst his heart glows with thoughts 

 that bear him untiring company. There is a 

 peculiarly exhilarating delight passing all description 

 in the wild excitement of this life, which dispels all 

 anxiety, and strengthens the mental and physical 

 energies for the ever-changing scene, delights the eye, 

 and gives pleasure to the intellect ; whilst, at the same 

 time, the constant excitement arising from the varied 

 incidents of such a state of existence invigorates the 

 mind and stimulates the powers of thought and obser- 

 vation. The body sustained in continued exertion 

 by constant exercise, enables the hunter to maintain 

 his course for days together through the pathless 

 woods, with that dogged stubbornness and inflexibility 

 which is necessary to ensure success in the pursuit of 

 the game he seeks. He moves noiselessly along, 

 without a care as to what he may encounter, for he 

 has implicit confidence in the power of his trusty 

 rifle ; and his vigilant eye, piercing the shadowy depths 

 of the jungle, leaves no hollow unsearched, for he and 

 his followers are dependent for their subsistence on 



