204 Sporting Notes in the Far East. 



Deer are very plentiful, but very hard to get at. They are found 

 also on Islands of Sooloo Archipelago, Stalking (or still-hunting) 

 is rendered impracticable, owing to the long sword grass with its 

 cutting serrated edges that cover the open : and to the thick tangle 

 of rattan creeper, armed with large hooked thorns that form an 

 impenetrable network throughout the crowded jungle. However, 

 you shall have a sketch of one evening's sport we dropped in for, 

 at Grassy Point, Timbu-Mata. Deer were seen watching with 

 curiosity the arrival of the ship, through a glass they seemed 

 puzzled but not alarmed. We had anchored close to the thicket in 

 which they were lying (no doubt to get out of the sun) and the noise 

 of the cable rattling out of the hawsepipe, sent them scampering 

 up to a neighbouring hillock, whence they could see, and be seen. 



We landed three guns, but unfortunately one of these had never 

 handled a gun before. 



Separating on the beach, we each chose our own line, and broke 

 through the thick belt of jungle that decorated the water's edge all 

 round Grassy Point. Imagine my surprise on emerging, to find 

 myself within twenty yards of a herd of thirteen deer. One old 

 hind was erect, flicking her long ears and intently inquisitive, the 

 rest all lying down, ruminating, but no stag visible. 



One by one, they rose leisurely, coughed and stamped indig- 

 nantly at such unwarrantable intrusion, and began slowly making 

 off towards the jungle. Still no stag ! Horns were my only 





