Duck and bustard still afford sport to the falconer, but he has to work further afield, and gets less in return than in the olden times. The bustard gives good sport, and often a good run of three or four miles; indeed there is on record a case of an eleven mile point.
On the mountain range which lies close to Mardan markhor are to be found, and some good heads have been shot; while in the lower slopes good bags of chikore, black and grey partridge, and rock-pigeons may be obtained. There are two of the best polo-grounds in India, and the Guides can generally put up a good team or two to compete in the various tournaments, and generally one or more challenge-cups are to be seen on their mess table. Racquets, tennis, and hockey, lime-cutting, tent-pegging and other mounted sports are also part of the weekly life; while friendly visits, given and taken, keep touch with the neighbouring stations.
The climate of these parts is on the whole eminently healthy and bracing. True, there are four months of very hot weather, but they get lost sight of in the keen delight of the other eight. Red cheeks with buoyant activity and spirits carry their own advertisement.
Thus, briefly described, has been the home of the Guides for upwards of sixty years; a little kingdom barely a mile square, but full of happy associations for all who have lived there. It is a quiet, unassuming spot, which year by year has bred, and sent forth to fight, many a gallant officer and brave soldier; and which in future years hopes to keep bright the shining record of great deeds that have gone before.
Agnew, murder of, 18, 19 general references to, 12
Archæological treasures of the Guides, 189
Battye, Capt. Fred., 128, 164-5-7, 191, 193
Battye, Quentin, his death at Delhi, 74 References to, 124, 193
Battye, Capt. Wigram, 95, 123, 124, 125, 191, 193
Cavignari, Sir Louis, and the attack on Paia, 93-4 And the attack on Sapri, 95-6 His work and death at Kabul, 97-116 References to, 92, 192
Chitral, the Mehtar of, 61-2 The relief of, 160-171
Daly, Henry, in command of Guides, 68 His report of march to Delhi, 68-73 His death, 74 Reference to, 186
Dilawur Khan, Subadar of Guides, the story of, 51-64
Discipline, value of sequence of orders of command in action, 80