180 • WANDEEINGS OF A 



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and with his hands on each side of his head, so as to concen- 

 trate the rays of vision, remain motionless, intently scanning 

 every portion of the distant valley or mountain. At last he 

 would point out a small object, which the telescope showed 

 to be a stag or bear. Having satisfied ourselves as to the 

 direction of the wind and the general demeanour of the 

 animal, whether feeding . intently in one direction or nibbling 

 as it walked along, we then commenced our stalk. The 

 beginner must trust to the native shickaree and be guided by 

 him, and if at all expert, he will bring his master within 20 

 yards of the game. Amongst our men was a well-known 

 hunter called Ebhul Khan, a Khyberee from the famous 

 pass of that name near Peshawur. He had spent many days 

 among the Cashmere mountains, and knew almost every 

 corner in the Northern Pinjal. From age and experience he 

 claimed the consideration and respect of his comrades, who 

 always allowed him to choose the most likely beats. It was 

 surprising how this man outshone us all in finding game. 

 His eagle eye scanned every spot within its range ; and often 

 when we were perplexed as to the nature of some minute 

 object a long way off, Ebhul Khan settled the matter at once. 

 This faculty is only to be gained by great experience ; but 

 let the young aspirant remember that there is nothing in- 

 tuitive in it, and that, by dint of patience, perseverance, and 

 practice, he may, with an original good pair of eyes, find all 

 his game for Jiimself. In the woods and jungles of the 

 valley I saw several of the new species of bullfinch discovered 

 at Chacar. Halkett fired at a fine leopard, but the ball just 

 grazed the animal's back. Although nowhere common, the 

 leopard is. not rare on the Cashmere mountains, and preys 

 chiefl^y on musk-deer, sheep, and dogs. Our friend was fortu- 

 nate in killing another brown bear. 



