CHAPTER IV 



ome talk about rifles for big game — EflSciency of small boree doubtful — 

 SelouH on this subject — Knowledge of anatomy an important factor 

 — A quotation from Sanderson — An advocate for heavy weapons — 

 Rifles recommended — Sir Samuel Baker's opinion on experiments I 

 have made — Various projectiles used, with results — Some rifles I have 

 used — Apology for digression, narrative resumed — The district of 

 Khandesh described — How the Bhils were civilized — ^The neceesity 

 for a local and special officer — His duties — Experience, how gained — 

 The origin of the office of Tiger Slayer — Cattle and human beings 

 destroyed by tigers — Khandesh s stronghold of wild beasts — Speoial 

 body of hunters from Bhil Corps — Government elephants — ^Usdul to 

 shoot off, or as beaters. 



The question as to which is the rifle best suited for big 

 and dangerous game is a somewhat controversial one, and 

 I am aware, while recording my opinion, that I differ from 

 many great authorities on this subject ; but ever>' sports- 

 man who has actually experimented with rifles of various 

 |)atterns, on big game must necessarily be guided by the 

 results he has obtained and naturally favours the weapon 

 which he has found most successful. 



Personally, I am no believer in small bores in the hands 

 of ordinary sportsmen, they lack the smashing power and 

 paralyzing effect of the heavy bores. I propose, later on, 

 illustrating the tnith of this theory by anecdotes, and as 

 I have on more than one occasion been in a tight corner, 

 and was once severely mauled by a tiger, the marks of 

 whose teeth and claws I bear to this day, I trust my ob- 

 ervations will act as a warning to young sportsmen against 

 I ashly entrusting themselves to light and so-called " handy '* 

 weapons when in pursuit of dangerous game. 



Selous, the great African hunter, advocates small bores, 

 but it should be remembered that that celebrated sports- 

 man, with his intimate knowledge of anatomy and life- 

 experience of big-game shooting, knows how and where to 



S8 



