heir appearance: we therefore lit
a huge fire, and, dismounting, partook with Jung of some very nice sweet
biscuits and various specimens of native confectionery, declining the
green-looking mutton which was kindly pressed upon us. Had the elephants
chosen that moment to come down upon us, a curious scene must have
ensued: Jung's grapes would have gone one way and his curry-powder the
other--he was eating grapes and curry-powder at the time; and his
brother, who was toasting a large piece of mutton on a reed, must have
either burnt his mouth or lost the precious morsel: however, the
elephants did not come, so Jung finished his grapes and curry-powder, and
his brother waited till the mutton was cool, ate it in peace, and went
through the necessary ablutions.

He then gave me a lesson in cutting down trees with a kukri, a sort of
bill-hook, in the use of which the Nepaulese are peculiarly expert. The
Minister Sahib at one stroke cut through a saul-tree which was 13 inches
in circumference, while sundry unsuccessful attempts which I made on very
small branches created great amusement among the bystanders skilled in
the use of the weapon.

At last a dropping shot or two were heard in the distance: this was the
signal of the approach of the herd, and I was put by the minister through
the exercises necessary to be acquired before commencing the novel chace.

Taking off my shoes and tying a towel round my head, I was told to
suppose an immense branch to be in front of me, and was taught to escape
its sweeping effects by sliding down the crupper of the elephant, and
keeping the whole of my body below the level of his back, thus allowing
the branch to pass within an inch above it without touching me. In the
same manner, upon a branch threatening me from the right or left, it was
necessary to throw myself on the opposite side, hanging only by my hands,
and swinging myself into my original position by a most violent exertion,
which required at the same time considerable knack. Having perfected
myself in these accomplishments to the utmost of my power, I awaited in
patience the arrival of the elephants.

Looking round, I saw Jung himself, seated in the place of the mahout,
guiding the elephant which he bestrode very cleverly. When silence was
required he made a peculiar clucking noise with his tongue; whereupon
these docile creatures immediately became still and motionless: one would
drop the tuft of grass which he was tear