About the Book
Tiger-Shooting in India. recounts the thrilling hunting experiences of British officer and naturalist Captain H. М. Macnaghten during the mid-19th century. Focusing on his adventures in Rajputana between 1850 and 1854, the book provides detailed
accounts of tiger hunts conducted on foot in the challenging hot season. Macnaghten's narrative vividly describes the perils and excitement of pursuing tigers in the Indian wilderness, offering insights into both the sport and the region's wildlife.
His observations reflect the intense engagement and strategic skills required for such hunts, capturing a fascinating period of British colonial adventure.
About the Author
William Rice was a prominent American hunter, naturalist, and author known for his vivid writings on big game hunting. His works, such as Quail Tiger, capture his extensive hunting experiences in India and other regions, blending adventure with detailed observations of wildlife. Rice's narratives are celebrated for their rich descriptions and insights into the cultural and ecological aspects of hunting. His contributions to naturalist literature offer a unique perspective on the challenges and allure of hunting in diverse landscapes.
Preface
My object in writing these pages is to give, to the best of my humble abilities, some account of the most exciting and glorious sport this world affords Tiger-shooting; believing that it is a subject which excites general interest, and as to which a pretty considerable amount of ignorance exists, even in India. I also wish to point out how very inefficient the very best weapons now used by the tiger-hunter are for the purpose. This may seem presumption on my part, as I can say little or nothing of the usual method employed in India for killing tigers. Once only was it my lot to assist at the death of a tiger, from the back of an elephant. That was my first intro-duction to the sport, and very likely would have been my last, had I-as doubtless very many others have done supposed that an elephant was absolutely necessary to enable one to take the field against tigers.
During several expeditions in pursuit of "large game," under which comprehensive title the Indian sportsman includes lions, tigers, panthers, bears, elephants, bison, &c., I enjoyed many splendid opportunities of observing the habits of these animals, and ascertaining how they may best be killed; therefore I cannot do better than attempt to describe what has actually come under my own observation, leaving the reader to judge of the value of my testimony.