xxxviii. 
as to visit the Temple, the carving on the walls of which is perfectly 
wonderful and most beautfully executed ; some of the dancing girls 
and other figures arc perfect gems, and the scrolls of exquisite 
pattern. The brickwork door topped with metal plates, is different to 
any I have seen in Southern India, the carvings reminded me of those 
in Java ; the Templ| of Haliabede, which we visited the next day, is 
still more elaborate and even more beautiful. There are two gigantic 
bulls at the entrance." 
In August, 1870, his health being very indifferent, he obtained 
three months' leave and went to Australia. He visited St. George's 
Sounds Melbourne, Sydney^ and Adelaide, and returned to Madras in 
November much recruited in health. He finally left. India after thirty- 
five years' service, on -the 20th June, 1871, and arrived at Southampton 
on the 29th July following. 
The "Oriental Sporting Magazine/' in noticing his departure, has 
the folloiving passage 
" The great Sportsman and Shikarie who has recently left these 
"hills for England on account of failing health, is Colonel Douglas 
" Hamilton, than whom a truer friend, a more kindly gentleman, a 
" keener observer of nature, and a more enthusiastic sportsman it has 
" never been our good fortune to know. The regret at his departure 
" is universal. We may truly state that he has legitimately shot more 
" game on these hills than any other sportsman, and a sight of the 
" trophies that adorn the walls of his house, of the sketches and 
'* incidents of the chase, and the relation thereof was a rich treat, 
" and one never again to be experienced." 
From 1872 to 1887 he annually rented a moor and deer forest in 
Scotland, for the purpose of following his favourite pursuit of deer 
stalking, and many a grand stag has fallen to his rifle. The invigorat- 
ing air of the Highlands restored his health and strength in a 
remarkable manner, and the way in which, after running at racing 
pace for some distance to intercept a stag, he would put his rifle to 
his shoulder, and brinj^ him down when in full career was wonderful. 
His habit of shooting with a rifle when standing, used to elicit ex- 
pressions of surprise from those who happened to be out with him, 
