SPORT IN THE HIMALAYAS. 



375 



to give tliemselves as mncli repose as possible 

 between the acts, and to husband their nerve- 

 strength for great opportunities. A far better 

 walker than a rider, he prided himself, as often 

 happens, chiefly upon his equitation. 



Eor five years after the Panjab war Lieut. 

 Speke annually obtained long leave to cross the 

 Snowy Mountains, and to add to his collections 

 of the animals little known or unknown, which 

 then abounded in those glaciers and ice-bound 

 plains. His messmates, with whom he was ever 

 a favourite, wondered at the facilitv with which 

 he escaped the regimental grind of parade and 

 escort duties. He thus explains the modus 

 operandi, that others may profit by it. 'The 

 Commander-in-Chief, Sir William Gomm, observ- 

 ing to what good account I always turned my 

 leave, instead of idling my time away or run- 

 ning into debt, took great pleasure in encourag- 

 ing my hobby ; and his staff were even heard 

 to say it would l}e a pity if I did not get leave, 

 as so much good resulted from it.' I may add 

 that, with the fine tact which distinguished him, 

 he never allowed his friends to think themselves 

 neglected, and always returned with rare and 

 beautiful specimens of Himalayan pheasants, and 

 other admired birds, for each one who had done 



