214 
WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS 
CHAP. 
retain invariably the same position every day, as 
the mahouts and their beasts would be more likely 
to act harmoniously if always associated together in 
the beat. The fast elephants, being at the extreme 
ends, would be able to turn quickly upon the centre 
whenever necessary. Four elephants were told off 
as scouts ; these were the most active, with intelligent 
mahouts. The men appeared to take an intense 
interest in the sport, and in the regularity of the 
arrangements, as they were equally aware with 
myself of the necessity for strict order and discipline, 
where only one solitary gun represented the offensive 
capacity of the line. 
The ordinary method of tiger-shooting with a 
long line of elephants comprises five or six guns 
placed at intervals. I dislike this style of sport, as 
it engenders wild and inaccurate firing. Every 
person wishes to secure a chance, therefore no 
opportunity is lost, and wherever the grass is seen 
to move, a bullet is directed at the spot. If only 
one gun is present, extreme caution and good 
management are necessary to ensure the death of a 
tiger, and the result of twenty-five days’ shooting on 
the churs of the Brahmaputra was highly satisfactory, 
as during that period eight tigers and three leopards 
only were moved, and every one was bagged ; thus 
nothing whatever escaped. 
I always make a point of allowing the Government 
reward as a bonus, without any deductions for 
buffalo baits or beaters, and this amount I divide 
among the shikaris and mahouts according to my 
