of the Old World. 295 



Hunting trips being everyday occurrences, but 

 little time was required for preparation either by 

 myself or 1 my companion. I examined my battery 

 (which consisted of a pair of double rifles of ten-gauge 

 by Purdey, a pair of double smooth-bores by Westley 

 Richards, carrying two-ounce round balls, and a 

 couple of fowling-pieces), and saw that all were in 

 perfect order, and fitted with ammunition. 



I then paraded my " Skekarries," or hunting-gang, 

 which comprised Chineah, Googooloo, Naga, Veera- 

 pah, Hassan, the Gooroo, Ali, and Ramasawney, 

 eight stalwart fellows, all well tried and true, and 

 inspected their hunting-gear, clothing, and equip- 

 ments, so as to make sure that all were in perfect 

 marching trim, and fit to commence a jungle cam- 

 paign. My baggage ponies having been re-shod, 

 then passed muster with their burdens, consisting of 

 a small hill-tent, carpet, blankets, cooking- apparatus, 

 rice-bags, &c., and finally my dogs, four huge crea- 

 tures, any two of which would bring a bear to bay, or 

 a hog to a standstill. 



In the mean time B paid a visit to Framjee's 



celebrated emporium for what the French term " co- 

 mestibles" and filled out two pairs of large " cowry " * 

 baskets, with everything necessary for the support of 



* Round wicker-baskets, which are slung at each end of a 

 bamboo, and carried over the shoulder. v 



