TRE GAME BIRDS OF INDIA, BURMA AND CEYLON. 33 



three — the centre two flush the birds, two flankers to gallop at top 

 speed in any direction should the game diverge from the required 

 course or attempt to break out latter ally." 



" Ten minutes' ride and we are within view of our first handada, 

 still a mile away. They may be feeding on some broad slope, 

 resting on the crest of a ridge, or dawdling on a level plain ; but 

 wherever the game jn&y be — whatever the strategic value of their 

 position — at least the decision of oxir own tactics must be clinched 

 at once. No long lingering with futile discussion, no hesitation, 

 or continued spying with the glass is permissible. Such follies 

 instil instant suspicion into the astute brains on yonder hill, and 

 the honours of the first round pass to the enemy." 



" For this reason it is imperative to appoint one leader vested 

 with supreme authority, and whose directions all must obey 

 instantly and implicitly." 



" The thoughts revolving in the leader's mind during his brief 

 survey follow these general lines : First which is (co) the favourite, 

 and (&) the most favourable line of flight of those bustards when 

 disturbed ; secondly, where can guns best be placed athwart that 

 line ; thirdly, how can the guns reach these points unseen ? A 

 condition precedent to success is that the firing line shall be drawn 

 aroimd the bustards fairly close up, yet without their knowledge. 

 Without a halt the party ride round till out of sight. At the 

 furthest safe advance, the guns dismount and proceed to spread 

 themselves out — so far as possible in a semicircle — around the 

 focal point. At 80 yards, apart each lies pressed on the earth, 

 utilizing such shelter (if any) as may exist on the naked decline — 

 say skeleton thistles, a tuft of wild asparagus, or on rare occasions 

 a natural bank or tiny rain scoop." 



" Now we have placed our guns in line and within that short 

 distance of the unsuspecting game that all but assures a certain 

 shot. We cannot, let iis confess, recall many moments in life of 

 more tense excitement than those spent thus, lying prone on the 

 gentle slope listening with every sense on stretch for the cries of 

 the galloping beaters as in wild cai^eer they urge the huge birds 

 towards a fatal course. Before us rises the curving ridge, its 

 summit sharply defined against an azure sky — azure but empty. 



