V 
THE TIGER 
169 
the construction. This is a matter of very great im¬ 
portance which is frequently neglected by the native 
shikari, who postpones the building of mucharns 
until the tiger shall have killed a buffalo. In that 
case the noise of axes employed in chopping the 
wood necessary for building the platforms is almost 
sure to alarm the tiger, who will escape unseen, and 
the beat will take place in vain. 
I never allow mucharns to be built by wood felled 
in the immediate neighbourhood, but I have it pre¬ 
pared in camp, and transported by coolies to the 
localities when required. By this method the great¬ 
est silence may be observed, which is absolutely 
necessary to ensure a successful drive. 
In order to prepare these platforms, they should 
be laid upon the ground, three long thick pieces to 
form a triangle, and cross-bars in proportionate 
lengths. If the latter are straight and strong, from 
sixteen to twenty will be necessary to complete a 
strong mucharn. It is impossible to devote too 
much attention to the construction of these 
watching-places. The natives are so light, and 
they are so comfortable when squatting for hours 
in a position that would cramp a European, that it 
is dangerous to accept the shikari s declaration when 
he reports that everything is properly arranged. 
Upon many occasions tigers are missed because the 
shooter is so completely cramped that he cannot turn 
when the animal suddenly appears in view. A large, 
firm, and roomy mucharn fixed upon the boughs of 
a tree that will not wave before a gust of wind. 
