Wolf-Hunting in Russia 



mediately after the regular field trials on 

 hares, I have seen as many as five leashes 

 slipped before an old wolf could be taken, and 

 then it was done only with the greatest diffi- 

 culty. In fact, as much skill depends upon 

 the borzatnik (huntsman) as the dogs. Almost 

 the very second the dogs take hold he simply 

 falls from his horse upon the wolf and endeav- 

 ors to thrust the unbreakable handle of his 

 nagaika between the jaws of the animal ; he 

 then wraps the lash around the wolf's nose 

 and head. If the hounds are able to hold 

 even a few seconds, the skilled borzatnik has 

 had sufficient time, but there is danger even to 

 the best. I saw an experienced man get a 

 thumb terribly lacerated while muzzling a wolf, 

 yet he succeeded, and in an incredibly short 

 time. On another occasion, even before the 

 brace of hounds had taken firm neck or ear 

 holds, I saw a bold devil of a huntsman swing 

 from his horse and in a twinkling lie prone 

 upon an old wolf's head. How this man, 

 whose pluck I shall always admire, was able 

 to muzzle the brute without injury to himself, 

 and with inefficient support from his hounds, 

 it is not easy to understand, though I was 

 within a few yards of the struggle. Such 



171 



