of the Old World. 251 



sent out to look for game, had come up from the low 

 country with the news that a herd of elephants had 

 been seen near the Colunda nullah, a small mountain- 

 stream a few miles to the north-east of the hills. 



My gang did not need any orders to prepare ; for, 

 as I entered the garden, I found them all assembled 

 in front of the gate in full shekar costume, ready to 

 start, and many a knowing look and broad grin they 

 gave me as I passed to don my leather hunting-gear 

 and prepare my battery and ammunition. The 

 cylindro-conical bullets of my rifle, as well as the 

 round ones I used in the smooth-bores, were made 

 of a mixture of lead and zinc, which amalgamation I 

 prefer to any other for elephant-shooting, as leaden 

 balls are too soft, and flatten on striking a bone, and 

 brass balls, which are generally used, are too light to 

 carry truly. My preparations did not take long to 

 make, and in the course of a few minutes I mounted 

 my favourite nag, " Gooty," accompanied by Chi- 

 neah, Googooloo, Mootoo, and the Gooroo, carrying 

 my guns, axes, spears, telescope, &c., a couple of 

 Mulchers to show the road, and a horse-keeper, who 

 led a baggage- tattoo, loaded with a large " combley " 

 blanket, which served either as a covering or a tent, 

 as occasion required, a change of clothing, some prog 

 and tobacco. 



The moon was favourable, being at its zenith as we 

 passed the village of Coonoor, making the night clear 



