The deer browsed in herds on the wide extent of plain, or lay beneath the shade of the spreading branches.
Every feature of lovely scenery was here presented.

In some spots groves of trees grew to the very water's edge; in others the wide plains, free from a single stem or bush, stretched for miles along the edge of the lake; thickly wooded hills bordered the extreme end of its waters, and distant blue mountains mingled their dim summits with the clouds.
It was a lovely scene which we enjoyed in silence, while our ponies feasted upon the rich grass.
The village of Minneria was three miles farther on, and our coolies, servants, and baggage were all far behind us.

We had, therefore, no rifles or guns at hand, except a couple of shot-guns, which were carried by our horsekeepers: for these we had a few balls.
For about half an hour we waited in the impatient expectation of the arrival of our servants with the rifles.

The afternoon was wearing away, and they did not appear.

We could wait no longer, but determined to take a stroll and examine the country.