Wolf-Hunting in Russia 



a heap of moss on them. The nine posts were 

 estabHshed in silence along the arc of a circle 

 at distances from each other of about 150 

 yards. My post was number four from the 

 beginning. In rear of it and of the adjoining 

 numbers a strong high cord fence was put up, 

 because it was supposed that near this part of 

 the line the old wolves would pass, and that 

 the barzois might not be able to stop them. 

 The existence of such fencing material as part 

 of the outfit of a wolf-hunter is strong evidence 

 of his estimate of a wolf's strength — it speaks 

 pages. The fence was concealed as much as 

 possible, so that the wolf with barzois at his 

 heels mieht not see it. The huntsmen sta- 

 tioned there to welcome him on his arrival 

 were provided with fork-ended poles, intend- 

 ed to hold him by the neck to the ground until 

 he was gagged and muzzled, or until he had 

 received a fatal dagger thrust. 



While we were forming the ambuscade — 

 defensive line — the regular beaters, with 200 

 peasant men and women, and the fox-hounds, 

 were forming the attack. 



Everything seemed favorable except the in- 

 cessant cold rain and wind. In our zeal to 

 guard the usual crossings of the wolves, we 



175 



