The Rifle And The Houndin Ceylon

About the Book:-The narrator has described a narrative of one man’s hunting forays in Ceylon in the 1850’s this is an interesting book. As far as the content goes it seems that the author was a bloodthirsty and merciless hunter though not personally devoid of courage. It also clearly portrays how the sahib log viewed the “natives”. His main delight seems to have been hunting down so called “rogue” elephants and buffalo and taking sadistic pleasure in shooting every animal he encountered. He shoots elephant, buffalo, hog, and elk (sambar) in droves just for the pleasure of the kill leaving the carcasses to rot. It’s not exactly what the English are known for. It’s often said that hunters are the best conservationists. They obey the laws of nature and shoot the prescribed animals at the prescribed times. But he has no scruples in this regard. He shoots at his own whim and shows complete disregard for the most basic rules of the sport as he shoots does and cows with gay abandon and not a shred of remorse. His ‘adventures’ however do reflect the abundance of game in Ceylon at that time. A graphic account of his exploits this book is not for the conservationist or the timid.