The Love of travel, exploration and chase is an instinct in human beings which centuries of Civilization have not been able to eradicate. The pursuit which was a necessity to the savage, and in fact the Business of his life, now being pursued as a relaxation by those whose resourcefulness place them in a position where Physical toil and hardships are the least.
No Country or human race in the World possesses such variety of Sports as the erstwhile Indian Empire and no part of it contains so many different animals/fauna as this Region which lies between the great watershed of Asia and the plains of India. Here, we have the extremes of a nearly arctic and Tropical climate of dangerously steep and barren mountains, and plains wrapped with the densest vegetations; and in each situation we find various descriptions of "Large Game" to understand whose habits we ought to be acquired with the peculiarities of their Natural haunts.
The author accompanied by his Wife has traveled into remotest areas and made many expeditions into Himalayas and crossed some of the highest passes. They come across nearly every Species of Game in the wild state and actually shoot almost all Animals Illustrated in the book. The author has attempted to give his first-hand experience of the different Hunting grounds he visited. The author candidly admits that inspite of his best possible efforts descriptions may also fall short of presenting a proper Conception of the magnificence of Himalayan beauty; and not even the word-painting of a Ruskin could do Justice to the magical Effects of light and vivid colouring to be witnessed among the wonderfully tinted hills of Tibet, through the medium of an Atmosphere compared with that of Italy.
The unique picturesque Mountains and vast terrains of Himalayas and the habitant rare animals lay bare open the capability of India as a sporting country having been alluded to a Large number of Sport lovers, photographers depecting animals and nature, and above all those readers who may personally have not the Means and resources to undertake such a fantastic trip of the area. The book is treasure-house of details of sports enjoyed in the pursuit of many different species, by one who had unlimited opportunities of following the chase and who Look back to each incident with the most lively and vivid pleasure. Though the incidents described in the book may be over 100 years old but the Style of presentation brings the reader on the center Stage and provoke a thrilling experience of author's memories of many a glorious day's sports. It is a real treat for those who have traveled much, and led a life a Little out of the ordinary routine, there is a peculiar pleasure and fun in looking back to bygone days.
The author has endeavoured to genuinely serve an Essential need felt by sportsmen and to compile all details in the form of this volume which by means of photographs, shall give a faithful Portraits of most of the Large Game animals to be met within the Parts of India to which it refers.
The author has also given a General descriptions of the animals and the districts they inhabit, and have added such notes on their habits and Natural History as he gathered from his personal close observations. The animals which find a detailed coverage include : The Tiger, the Panther, the Thibetan Lynx, Wolf, the Wild Dog, the Snow Bear, the Himalayan Black Bear, the Asiatic Elephant, the Great Indian Rhinoceros, the Wild Boar, the Caur, the Yak, the Buffalo, the Nilgao, the Indian Gazelle, the Thibetan Gazelle, the Thibetan Antelope, the Four Horned Antelope, the Serow, the Gooral, the Tahr, the Spiral-horned Marklioor, the Straight-horned Markhoor, the Himalayan Ibex, the Oorial, the Burrell, the great Thibetan Sheep, the Barking Deer, the Kashmir Deer, the Hog Deer, the Spotted Deer and host of other popular animals.
The book first published in 1885 as revised Edition of two volumes "Large Game Shooting in Thibet and the North-West" had been the complete guide book for sportsmen, researchers, scholars, wild life lovers and for all those interested in travels and exploration of Nature in its real form.
The book should also serve as guide book for the preservation of Nature, History and Specimens. |
