76 BIG-GAME SHOOTING IN UPPER BURMA 



old writers lay great stress on a big bullet, and 

 in those days it was absolutely essential. But 

 it is penetration that tells, and even a small 

 bullet passing through both lungs, or raking an 

 animal from stem to stern, is bound to knock 

 the stuffing out of him. At the same time, there 

 is a limit, and anything smaller than a '400 

 bore would be a dangerous weapon to use on 

 heavy game, besides losing one many a good 

 beast. 



One heard of many more accidents happening 

 to men in the old days when following bison 

 than seem to occur now. Smokeless powder 

 undoubtedly is a great protection. An animal 

 in these days rarely charges at the first shot. 

 He is taken by surprise, and there is nothing to 

 tell him from which direction the attack has 

 come. If he does not gallop off, he may stand 

 motionless for a few seconds, or may blunder 

 on for half a dozen yards and then pull up, 

 possibly with the idea of retaliating. Before he 

 can make up his mind he is greeted with a 

 second bullet, and may now charge, as he has 

 received a clue to his adversary's whereabouts. 

 But the sportsman is not blinded by smoke, 

 and as the bull rushes at him with lowered 

 head he has only to jump aside and allow it to 

 pass him. The poor beast cannot go far. The 

 second shot, thanks to smokeless powder, was 

 probably in the right place, and when followed 



