turnstool

Updated: June 23, 2025

I have a simple wooden turnstool, which enables me to shoot in any required direction; this is most comfortable. I had adjusted my stool upon a thick mat to prevent it from slipping, and having settled myself firmly, I began to examine the position to form an opinion concerning the most likely spot for the tiger to emerge from the jungle.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1

A thickly folded rug will carpet the rough surface, upon which the watcher will sit upon a low turnstool that will enable him to rest in comfort, and turn without noise in any required direction.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1

My turnstool was handy, and I quickly turned to the right, waiting with the left-hand barrel ready for his reappearance upon the grass-land in the interval between the main jungle and the narrow patch. There was no time to lose, for the tiger appeared in a few seconds, dashing out of the jungle, and flying over the open at tremendous speed.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1

This looked well, as the tiger would probably slink along these secluded watercourses, in which case I should obtain a splendid shot. I climbed from the back of my steady elephant into the lofty perch; the people and animals left me to watch, squatted in a most uncomfortable position, as at that time I had not invented my charming turnstool.

Sir Samuel White Baker - Wild Beasts and Their Ways, Reminiscences of Europe, Asia, Africa and America — Volume 1