CHAP, xvii THE BOAR 305 



The length of a good pair of boar's tusks extracted from the 

 jaw is about 10 inches outside curve. Of this length, 5 inches 

 are imbedded in the jaw, leaving only 5 inches as a weapon of 

 offence. 



It is astonishing to see the amount of mischief that can be 

 achieved by so insignificant a weapon. The boar has been asso- 

 ciated with the hunting triumphs of ancient history, from the 

 remote period when Adonis, the beloved of Venus, fell before its 

 tusks. The Macedonian boar was considered to be the most 

 formidable of all wild animals, and to the present day there is 

 no creature in the brute creation that will hold its own against all 

 comers with equal pluck and tenacity of purpose, so determinedly, 

 as a staunch old boar. 



This animal exhibits more sport than any creature that I 

 know. It may be hunted in various ways, according to the 

 conditions of the ground. In forest countries it may be followed 

 on foot with the aid of hounds, and, when brought to bay, 

 killed with the hunting-knife or spear. I have always used 

 the knife. 



In the open, where riding is practicable, there is no sport 

 in the world that surpasses the excitement of "pig -sticking." 

 I regret to say that I have had very limited experience in this 4 

 latter phase of hunting, owing to the scarcity of the game when 

 I was in a pig -sticking locality ; but the hunting upon foot with 

 dependable hounds was a sport that I enjoyed for many years. 



Shooting wild boar, after the foregoing description of hunting, 

 is a very tame proceeding ; until a boar is wounded, and you 

 have to look for him in thick jungle. 



There is an immense amount of character in a pig. Not only 

 is it a fierce antagonist, but it is a clever and thoughtful creature. 

 It is all very well to quote the word "pig-headedness," but 

 there is a meaning in the name that commands respect. A pig 

 knows its own mind, which very few human beings can assert ; 

 when it has made up its mind, it acts, without any trace of 

 hesitation ; and in this it sets a bright example to many of our 

 generals and so-called statesmen. If a pig determines to go for- 

 ward, nothing will stop it ; but if it makes up its mind to break 

 back through a line of beaters, even should there be a serried 

 rank of a hundred elephants, I should like to see anything on 

 earth that would stop a pig. It will dash back, giving a sharp 

 toss of its long head to the right and left as it goes, and leaving 

 its mark even upon the tough legs of elephants should they have 

 opposed its passage, 



