THE GAME BIRDS OF INDIA, BURMA AND CEYLON. 313 



a shot may often be obtained at from 80 to 100 yards. A nearer 

 approach is rarely possible unless there is some slight cover, grass 

 or low bushes (for the bird I mean). In that case the Bnstard will 

 sometimes squat down flat, vanishing from sight in a marvellous 

 manner, but unable to resist the temptation of now and then 

 raising its head to see where you are. Now is the chance for the 

 shot gun. Gradually lessen the distance by from 10 to 20 yards, 

 then turn and run straight in, when, with any luck you may be 

 able to get in both barrels at a fair range. 



Mr. G. Sanderson, also, was apparently more fortunate than most 

 sportsmen in inducing Bustard to wait for him in scrub jungle 

 until he could get within shot. He says, vide Hume : — " The great 

 Indian Bustard occurs somewhat plentifully throughout Mysore, in 

 suitable localities, viz., open plains in the vicinity of scrub jungles. 

 I have seen five feeding together, three commonly. I believe 

 that the Bustard in Mysore migrates. It is exceedingly wary. Its 

 note, usually uttered before daylight, is a booming cry, not unlike 

 a distant shout ; hence it is denominated in Canarese the ' bird that 

 calls like a man ' (Arl-Koogina-Hukki). 



" The Bustard feeds in stubble fields and open plains till about 

 10 a.m., as also in the afternoon. During the heat of the day it 

 retires to low bush jungle. I have frequently shot Bustard by 

 having markers posted upon commanding eminences within a 

 circuit of three or four miles round their feeding grounds. The 

 particular habits of the birds are generally well known locally, and 

 when one has been marked down after its return from its morning 

 feed, it may generally be walked up, within a few hundred yards 

 of the place where it alighted. In the scrub jungle they fre- 

 quently lie very close, and must be carefully looked for. Before I 

 was aware of this peculiarity, I failed to find several birds. On 

 one occasion a Bustard uttered its peculiar cry about twenty yards 

 behind me. It had walked out of a small bush which I had passed 

 within five yards, and uttered its note when standing on the 

 ground." 



Similar examples of a confiding disposition in the Indian Great 

 Bustard must not, however, be expected, though they may be 

 ho23ed for, by the man who wishes to bring them to bag. It will 



