THE HORSE AND HIS EIDEE. J25 



The spring, though in so many respects a season of 

 enjoyment, is not without its drawbacks. The wolves, 

 also, have to indemnify themselves for the severe 

 fast of the winter, and are just as desirous as the 

 horses to get themselves into good condition again. 

 The foals, too, are just then most delicate, and a wolf 

 will any day prefer a young foal, to a sheep, or a calf. 

 The wolf accordingly is constantly prowling about the 

 taboon during the spring, and the horses are bound to 

 be always prepared to do battle, in defence of the 

 younger members of the community. The wolf, as 

 the weaker party, trusts more to cunning than strength. 

 For a party of wolves openly to attack a taboon at 

 noon-day, would be to rush upon certain destruction ; 

 and, however severely the wolf may be pressed by 

 hunger, he knows his own weakness too well, to 

 venture on so absurd an act of temerity. At night, 

 indeed, if the taboon happen to be a little scattered, and 

 the wolves in tolerable numbers, they will sometimes 

 attempt a rush, and a general battle ensues. An 

 admirable spirit of coalition then displays itself among 

 the horses. On the first alarm, stallions and mares 

 come charging up to the threatened point, and attack 

 the wolves with an impetuosity, that often puts the 

 prowlers to instant flight. Soon, however, if they 

 feel themselves sufficiently numerous, they return, and 

 K 2 



