V 
THE TIGER 
167 
hind-quarters. This is quite contrary to the rules of 
hunting, as the tiger is almost certain to detect their 
presence if they are so near, in which case it is sure 
to retreat to some undisturbed locality beyond the 
area of the beat. 
There is constant disappointment in driving for 
tigers owing to the stupidity or exaggerated zeal of 
the shikari; and if the hunter is thoroughly experi¬ 
enced, it is far better that he should conduct the 
operations personally. 
Success depends upon many little details which 
may appear trivial, but are nevertheless important. 
When a buffalo is tied up for bait, it must be secured 
by the fetlock of a fore foot, and care must be taken 
that the rope is sufficiently strong to prevent the 
buffalo from breaking away ; at the same time it 
must not be strong enough to prevent the tiger 
from breaking it when the animal is killed, and the 
carcase is to be dragged to the nearest nullah 
(or ravine). If the rope is too powerful, the tiger 
cannot dispose of the body ; it will therefore eat the 
hind-quarters where it lies, and at once retreat to 
water, instead of concealing the prey and lying down in 
the vicinity. In such a case the remains of the body 
will be exposed to the gaze of vultures and jackals, 
who will pick the bones clean in a few hours, and 
destroy all chance of the tiger’s return. When the 
dead body is concealed beneath dense bushes in a 
deep ravine, the vultures cannot discover it, as they 
hunt by sight, and the tiger has no anxiety respect¬ 
ing the security of its capture ; it will therefore sleep 
