Page:The Hog.djvu/56

54 of their natural ferocity, but they still fly at the approach of strangers, and in their form and habits preserve all the characteristics of the true wild boar, from which stock they are descended without intermixture of any other breed. I am told, too, that their flesh has all the peculiar flavor of the wild boar. This animal, in a completely savage state, is now becoming very scarce in Hungary, and is only met with in the most secluded forests, and in the recesses of the Carpathian mountains.

The forests of Poland, Spain, Russia, and Sweden, still contain animals of the wild boar tribe, and the inhabitants of these countries hunt them with hounds, or attack them with fire-arms, or with the proper boar-spear.

But the most exciting accounts we now have of this sport are furnished by our countrymen in the East, who diversify their other hunts and field-sports by occasionally chasing the wild hog. Captain Williamson, in his graphic volume, gives some very animated accounts of the perils of this chase, as does also Mr. Johnston; and if any thing could reconcile us to the pursuing, tormenting, and shedding the blood of an animal who only puts forth his strength in self-defence, it would be the bravery and presence of mind exhibited by some of the huntsmen. One or two quotations will illustrate the habits of the wild hogs of India, as well as the mode in which they are hunted.

"The pace and powers of 'the wild hog' are not to be estimated by any comparison with those of the tame one. Persons unacquainted with the vigor and speed of the jungle hog will be surprised to learn that it requires a good horse to keep near a moderately-sized hog, and that it is by no means uncommon to see what is considered as a moderately-sized animal overthrow many horses in succession. The fact is, that from April to November, during which period the canes and corn are off the grounds, the wild hogs are compelled to wander from the copses and long grass jungles in which they take refuge, to greater distances, in search of food, by which means they are not only kept low in flesh, but, from their daily exercises, get confirmed in good wind, and seem rather to attack the hunter than to run away; and this is not merely during the space of a few hundred yards, but for a considerable distance. I recollect being one of four well-mounted riders, who were completely distanced in a chase of about three miles.

"In crossing the country early in June, about sunrise, we saw at a considerable distance a hog trotting over a plain to his cover, which was a large extent of brambles and copse, from which we could not hope to drive him. As there appeared no chance of overtaking him, we agreed to let him proceed unmolested, and to be at the place whence he had come by daybreak on the next morning. We accordingly were up early on the following morning,