25 o IN THE INDIAN JUNGLE. 



as there is always the danger of forest fires from a 

 lighted end of a cigar, or from camp fires. All 

 things considered the monsoon is about the best 

 time for shooting within the forest reserve. 



The native shikarees dread the solitary bull-bison, 

 and will if possible lead the hunter off the track 

 and take him to a herd of several cows and calves, 

 with perhaps a young bull as master of the herd. 

 The solitary bulls are generally aged animals, no 

 longer fit to rule the herd, and ousted perhaps by 

 some younger rival. It is hard to say why the 

 natives dread this animal, as unlike the solitary 

 buffalo he will not attack unless molested, and 

 always endeavours to make off unless brought to 

 bay at close quarters. 



Some years ago I saw one of these animals brought 

 to bay and fighting for its life, when the reflection 

 forced itself upon me that had it been a buffalo 

 the consequences would have been more serious. 

 We were shooting up the Champa, a small stream 

 flowing into the Brahmini river in Bonai, and 

 forming the southern boundary of the Saranda 

 Forest for some distance. We had done fairly 

 well, having bagged thirteen head of game in a week. 

 Nearing the Koenjure frontier we came on to some 

 grass hills where there were numerous tracks of 

 bison. After a little search we managed to hit on 

 one which the trackers told us was that of a solitary 

 bull. In spite of the eloquence of the guides, who 

 would have had us go after a herd, promising us 

 much sport, we elected for the solitary bison and 

 made our preparations accordingly. There were 



