42 REMINISCENCES OF PIG-STICKING. 



herd of pigs came out. There must have been at least 

 twenty of all shapes and sizes, a fine big boar showing 

 the way, and besides him there must have been at least 

 another two or three smaller boars. Ferguson, Irvine, 

 and myself were soon after the old gentleman, while the 

 other party went after one of the smaller ones. 



The pigs at first all stuck together, but being pressed 

 they very soon separated. Ferguson, on a' black waler 

 gelding — The " Rake " — pushed the boar from the start. 

 Irvine, who is of a rather jealous disposition, and who 

 saw there would be very little chance of his getting first 

 spear on his country-bred, was shouting to hold hard, 

 and not ride the pig yet, as he would turn back to the 

 patiale. This made McNiel, who knew what was meant 

 by it, go all the harder. The pig did try, however, to 

 break back ; but as he had gone a long distance he had 

 not the ghost of a chance. Seeing no way to escape 

 he came straight into Ferguson who got a good spear 

 in him, his horse escaping being cut by an inch. The 

 spear was left in the pig who, however, soon pulled it out. 

 Irvine coming up got a second spear, and it was now a 

 running fight, the pig making for the patiale, but always 

 ready to meet any one who came near him. With a 

 couple of spears sticking in him he sat on his haunches ; 

 but not a groan did he utter, and finally, when mortally 

 wounded he lay down to die, it was with a savage twinkle 

 in his small eyes : he was a fine pig all over, and 



Was it not grim delight 

 To see the old boar fight ? 



