THE RIFLE AND THE HOUND IN CEYLON. By Sir Samuel W. Baker, M.A., F.R.S., F.R.G.S.

(1854) 1999 facsimile reprint. Small 8vo (125 x 187mm). Ppiv,xx,353. B/w illustrations. Full blue gilt-decorated pictorial bonded leather.

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 temple or 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. This is a facsimile reprint of the 1892 second edition. The first edition was published in 1854, before the author's well recorded experiences in Africa.