‘WORK AND SPORT IN THE N.W.P. 79 
the earth beneath, till I observed a jackal gazing at 
a large python coiled in the thick branches of a 
tree. It then, of course, was self-evident that any 
semi-arboreal animal, such as the panther, might 
well be sought for at a height from the ground, and 
that jackals particularly had good cause to remember 
this fact. Finally, on hearing a jackal, when run to 
earth by dogs, utter this cry in the extremity of fear, 
the conclusion was arrived at that, like the tales of 
the “‘ wer ” wolf, those of the “‘ pheau ” have origin- 
ated in the nursery, to be adopted gradually into 
the folklore of the country. 
The submontane forests of the Himalaya are of 
peculiar interest to the ornithologist ; for they are 
not only rich in resident types, but are visited by 
many migratory birds during the winter months. 
In them is a variety of thrushes, of woodpeckers, 
and of birds of prey, three kinds of hornbill, while 
many other families are represented. Mr. Osmaston, 
whose name I have already mentioned, is a notable 
authority on the birds of this region, having 
made the study of their nests and eggs a speci- 
ality, and possessing a unique collection of the 
latter. 
From the Ganges forests I went to Europe on 
furlough, and on my return found myself posted to 
the forests in Kumaon. These are now accessible 
from Haldwani, a station on the Rohilkhand and 
Kumaon Railway on the route to the hill-station of 
Naini Tal. The charge extends about thirty miles 
both to the east and west of that town, and comprises 
mountain forests up to an elevation of nearly 6,000 
feet ; those of the Bhabar, or waterless tract lower 
