THE GAUR 69 



the influence of a powerful sun. If the weather 

 be damp or cloudy, and especially if there has 

 been heavy rain, the bitten ends of the stalks 

 will look as fresh as if the animal had just passed, 

 whereas, actually, he may have left the spot 

 some fifteen hours before. But I have generally 

 found the Burman tracker to err on the other 

 side. He is much more likely to say a doubtful 

 track is yesterday's rather than to-day's — as 

 he doesn't fancy a long, stern chase. Further 

 remarks on tracking will be found in the chapter 

 allotted to that subject. 



It is very difficult to get a shot at a bison 

 when he is lying up for the day. In the first 

 place, he is certain to be in thick cover ; secondly, 

 he is lying down, and the black hide so matches 

 the shade thrown by overhanging bamboos and 

 vegetation that he is practically invisible until 

 one is almost on top of him. Finally, a bison, 

 when lying up, sleeps with one eye and both 

 ears wide open, and though he is easier to 

 surprise than a bull tsaing, still one may 

 track solitary bison time after time when they 

 are lying up without getting a shot. If one 

 could only locate the beast it would not be so 

 very difficult. But he may be just under that 

 clump of bamboos in front of you, or he may 

 be a mile farther on. You creep on, going as 

 quietly as you can. Suddenly there is a terrific 

 snort, and away thunders a huge, black from 



