54 THE HOG. 



of their natural ferocity, but they still fly at the approach of stran 

 gers, and in their form and habits preserve all the characteristics of 

 the true wild boar, from which stock they are descended without in- 

 termixture of any other breed. I am told, too, that their flesh has 

 all the peculiar flavor of the wild boar. This animal, in a completely 

 savage state, is now becoming very scarce in Hungary, and is only 

 met with in the most secluded forests, and in the recesses of the Car- 

 pathian mountains. 



The forests of Poland, Spain, Russia, and Sweden, still contain 

 animals of the wild boar tribe, and the inhabitants of these countries 

 hunt them with hounds, or attack them with fire-arms, or with the 

 proper boar-spear. 



But the most exciting accounts we now have of this sport are fur- 

 nished by our countrymen in the East, who diversify their other 

 hunts and field-sports by occasionally chasing the wild hog. Cap- 

 tain Williamson, in his graphic volume, gives some very animated 

 accounts of the perils of this chase, as does also Mr. Johnston ; and 

 if any thing could reconcile us to the pursuing, tormenting, and shed- 

 ding the blood of an animal who only puts forth his strength in self- 

 defence, it would be the bravery and presence of mind exhibited by 

 some of the huntsmen. One or two quotations will illustrate the 

 habits of the wild hogs of India, as well as the mode in which they 

 are hunted. 



" The pace and powers of * the wild hog' are not to be estimated 

 by any comparison with those of the tame one. Persons unac- 

 quainted with the vigor and speed of the jungle hog will be sur- 

 prised to learn that it requires a good horse to keep near a moder- 

 ately-sized hog, and that it is by no means uncommon to see what 

 is considered as a moderately-sized animal overthrow many horses in 

 succession. The fact is, that from April to November, during which 

 period the canes and corn are off the grounds, the wild hogs are 

 compelled to wander from the copses and long grass jungles in which 

 they take refuge, to greater distances, in search of food, by which 

 means they are not only kept low in flesh, but, from their daily 

 exercises, get confirmed in good wind, and seem rather to attack 

 the hunter than to run away ; and this is not merely during the 

 space of a few hundred yards, but for a considerable distance. T 

 recollect being one of four well-mounted riders, who were completely 

 distanced in a chase of about three miles. 



" In crossing the country early in June, about sunrise, we saw at 

 a considerable distance a hog trotting over a plain to his cover, 

 which was a large extent of brambles and copse, from which we 

 could not hope to drive him. As there appeared no chance of over 

 taking him, we agreed to let him proceed unmolested, and to be at 

 the place whence he had come by daybreak on the next morning. 

 We accordingly were up early on the following morning, anticipa- 



