of the Old World. 213 



their exertions in the chase. Nothing is so conducive 

 to the keen development of the senses as the constant 

 exertion of the different faculties during a sojourn in 

 the jungle ; quickness of eye (an indispensable quality 

 in a hunter) and unceasing watchfulness are there 

 attained; habits of observation are engendered, for 

 anything out of the common immediately attracts 

 attention, and the ear is habituated to catch the 

 slightest sound. The hunter should have a thorough 

 knowledge of the habits of the wild animals he seeks, 

 bearing in mind how suspicious they are, and how 

 quickly their attention is attracted by unusual noises, 

 strange traces in the jungle, or even the taint in the 

 air which the presence of man always leaves behind 

 it. The ranger of the forest experiences a thorough 

 feeling of independence and a freedom from restraint 

 in these wilds, that contrasts most favourably with 

 the desagrements of artificial existence, and few of 

 those who are fitted to enjoy it ever quit these scenes 

 to return to civilized life without deep feelings of 

 regret that their unalloyed pleasures are at an end ; 

 and in after life the murmuring of waters and the 

 sighings of the wind through the trees will recall to 

 mind moments of intense interest, and they will ever 

 feel at heart that there is no music so sweet as the 

 wild voices of the woods. 



All forests are gloomy, but they have their com- 

 parative degrees of shade, and none present a greater 



