Pelts 



which even the native shikari will have to respect, 

 and the tigers are turned out if skill of man can 

 bring this consummation about. 



But for those who have not this power behind 

 them, my advice is, trust not blindly to the native 

 shikari if you wish to really enjoy good sport. 



The average length of the tiger (Felis iigris) from 

 tip to tip is 9 feet 6 inches, the tail being normally 

 a little less than -J-rd total length. A skin of this 

 size will, however, stretch to nearly 12 feet. 

 Tigresses measure from 8 feet to 8 feet 9 inches. 

 The record tiger measured probably about 12 feet. 

 Anything over 10 feet would now-a-days be good. 

 To measure a tiger lay him out on his side 

 straight and then run the tape from the tip of 

 the nose between the ears to the tip of the tail 

 closely following the curves of the body. 



The period of gestation of the tiger is 14 to 15 

 weeks. Two cubs, born between December and 

 June, is the number usually reared and they are 

 to be found with the mother tiU nearly full 

 grown. 



Have you ever occupied a howdah in a line of 

 thirty elephants, slowly beating through grass 

 jungle properly stopped ahead ? If so, you will 

 know what pure unalloyed excitement and joy is ! 



How you thrill at every rustle ahead as you 

 stand rifle at the ready, ' giving ' to the swaying 

 motion of the howdah, prepared for a snapshot 



213 



