236 
WILB BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS 
CHAP. 
remembered that during the dry season both deer, 
nilgyhe, and many other animals travel long dis¬ 
tances in search of water, and return before daylight 
to their secluded places of retreat. 
This was the position of Bijore at the period of 
our visit; the most lovely jungles contained very 
little game. Although our baits had been devoured 
some days ago, I could not help thinking that the 
tiger might still be lurking in the locality, as it had 
been undisturbed, and there was little or no water 
in the neighbourhood excepting one or two drinking- 
places in the beds of nullahs. 
We had 164 beaters, therefore we could command 
an extensive line, as the jungles, having been recently 
burnt, were perfectly open, and an animal could 
have been seen at a distance of 100 yards. 
Having made all the necessary arrangements, the 
beat commenced. It was extraordinary that such 
attractive ground contained so little game. The 
surface was a delicate green from the young shoots 
of new grass, and notwithstanding the enticing food 
there were no creatures to consume the pasturage. 
Hours passed away in intense heat and dis¬ 
appointment; the most likely jungles were beaten 
with extreme care, but nothing was disturbed beyond 
an occasional peacock or a scared hare. The heat 
was intense, and the people having worked from 6 
A.M. began to exhibit signs of weariness, as nothing 
is so tiring as bad luck. Although the country 
was extremely pretty it was very monotonous, as 
each jungle was similar in appearance, and I 
