Hunting in Many Lands 



wolf emerged first, again on the retreat, with 

 both hounds after him full tilt. Within a 

 hundred yards they again downed him, only 

 to be shaken off. This was repeated probably 

 a half dozen times, and, though both the bar- 

 zois had throat and flank holds, they were un- 

 able to "stretch him." After five minutes of 

 fast and furious fighting, they dashed into a 

 bunch of frightened cattle and became sepa- 

 rated. Though I immediately cut the wolf out 

 of the bunch of cattle and he limped off in full 

 view, the dogs were too exhausted to follow, 

 and their condition was truly pitiable. Zlooem 

 staggered about and fell headlong upon his 

 side, unable to rise. Both were so thoroughly 

 exhausted from their tremendous efforts that 

 they could not stand upon their feet; their 

 tongues were swollen and protruding full 

 length, their breath came in short and labored 

 gasps, the whistle and rattle in their throats 

 was audible at some distance, while their legs 

 trembled and were really unable to sustain the 

 weight of their bodies. At the expiration of 

 ten minutes, I signaled the slippers to come 

 and take the dogs up ; and thus ended the bid 

 of the Russian wolfhound for popularity in 

 this country. 



356 



