WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS 
CHAP. 
164 
the attack, knowing that the tiger will be ready to 
spring upon the elephant the moment that they 
shall be vis-a-vis. 
In the absence of any elephant, the pursuit of a 
wounded tiger by following up the blood-track on 
foot is a work of extreme danger. The native 
shikaris generally exhibit considerable hardihood, 
and, confident in their activity, they ascend trees 
from which they have a clear view in front for some 
30 or 40 yards. They descend if the coast is clear, 
cautiously advance, and then again they mount 
upon the branches of some favourable tree and 
scan the ground before them. In this manner they 
continue to approach until they at length discern 
the wounded animal. If the hunter is clever at 
climbing, he may then take a steady shot from a 
good elevation ; but if not, he must take his chance, 
and knowing the exact position of the tiger, he must 
endeavour to make certain of its sudden death by 
placing a bullet either in the brain or the back of 
the neck. 
A newly arrived party, having heard that some 
native cow has been carried off within a week, will 
make a reconnaissance of the surrounding country 
upon their elephants, and will examine every water¬ 
course for tracks. We will suppose that after some 
hours of diligent search the long-wished-for pugs or 
footmarks have been discovered. Now the science 
of the chase must be exhibited, and the habits of 
the tiger carefully considered. The first considera¬ 
tion will be the drinking-place. If the middle of 
