252 SPORT IN EUROPE 



all speak at the same time. The ibex hearing the noise, with ears 

 erect, jumps upon the great granite rocks, and, ever alert, slowly walks 

 along the edge of the crags. Then it is that the sportsmen who are 

 nearest see it and can get an easy shot. 



After describing a wolf hunt {/o6o), there will remain nothing more 

 to be said about the huntino- of lar^e oame in Portugal ; for if, as often 

 happens during these hunts, there appear foxes {j-aposas), lynxes, 

 which are common in Alemtejo, or wild cats (Ga/os bi-avos), these are 

 not specially hunted, but, when put up by the drivers, the sportsmen 

 shoot them. 



Wolf hunting is very interesting. Wlien these animals infest any 



district and destroy the cattle, the inhabitants of several parishes and 



villages around organise a hunt which extends for many 

 Wolves. 



leagues. As a rule Sunday is selected, so that a greater 



number of people may take part in the hunt. All armed, they form a 

 large circle, covering a great extent of ground. The circle gradually 

 contracts. The proprietors of the land and the best shots wait at the 

 point on which the circle will converge, and where the drive will there- 

 fore terminate. Occasionally, only after some hours' driving, is there 

 heard an indistinct and distant noise, which, gradually and slowly 

 increasing as the driving approaches, when close at hand becomes 

 deafening. Any small game that may appear is shot only when the 

 drive is near its end. Then the firino- is tremendous, shots crossing 

 in every direction, the noise of which, in conjunction with the shouting 

 of the hunters, gives one the idea of a fierce battle. As the small 

 game, which is thus collected from a great distance, is very abundant, 

 the men lose their heads, and these hunts at times become really 



