86 HUNTING ADVENTURES. 



experienced dogs, aware of his ferocity, bay at a respectful distance 

 till he resume his course and proceed. When completely fatigued, 

 the younger brood close upon him, and not unfrequently surfer for 

 their rashness ; the hunters then finish the business with their 

 spears. If not too old, his flesh is highly esteemed, especially 

 the hams. 



THE WILD BOAR. 



.The Wild Boar among huntsmen, has several names, according 

 to its different ages ; the first year, it is called a pig of the 

 saunder; the second, it is called a hog; the third, a hog-steer; 

 and the fourth, a boar ; when leaving the saunder, he is called a 

 singler or sangler. The boar generally lives to twenty-five or 

 thirty years, if he escapes accidents. The time of rutting is in 

 December, and lasts about three weeks. Boars feed on all sorts 

 of fruits, and on the roots of many plants, particularly fern. When 

 near the sea-coasts, they will descend to the shores and demolish 

 the more tender shell-fish in very great numbers. Their general 

 places of rest are among the thickest bushes that can be found ; 

 and they are not easily put out of them, but will stand the bay a 

 long time. In April and May they sleep more sound than at any 

 other time of the year. This is therefore the successful time for 

 taking them in the toils. 



When a boar is roused out of the thicket, he always goes from 

 it, if possible, the same way by which he came to it ; and when 

 he i? once up, he will never stop till he comes to some place of 

 more security. If it happens that a saunder of them are found 

 together, when any one breaks away, the rest all follow the same 



