THE RIFLE AND THE HOUND IN CEYLON. By S.W. Baker, Esq. With numerous illustrations printed in colours, and engravings on wood.

.# 1854 1st edition. 8vo (155 x 222mm). Ppxii,409. Six coloured lithograph plates, b/w wood engravings. Later brown half-leather with gilt-titled leather spine label, marbled paper-covered boards.

.# An early chronicle of field sports and shikar in Ceylon by this prolific writer and hunter". Where the character of the country admits an approach [to an elephant] to within ten paces, I prefer the Ceylon method of aiming at either the templeor behind the ear". The author used explosive shells of his own design, supplied by Reilly and Co. of London, "these were cast iron coated with lead, and their effect was terrific". Elephant hunting and capturing, deer of various kinds, coursing deer, wild boar, buffalo and a lot more besides. A notable memoir of energetic shooting and hunting in the jungles and open countryside of Ceylon. Reprinted numerous times, the first edition is, however, rather scarce. Described by Ken Czech as "A cornerstone in the Asian big game hunting library".