70 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



his rear position. Is not the instinct of animals most 

 similar to the reason of man ? Here each wolf had his 

 allotted work doubtless that which was best suited 

 for his capacity. The rear assault was the most 

 dangerous ; for a kick well directed would unquestion- 

 ably have caused instant death to the adventurous 

 assailant ; but the most experienced and expert had 

 selected the post of danger and honour. The flashing 

 eyes and foaming mouth of the bull told plainly the 

 result ; so I stepped from my concealment. However, 

 all were so occupied that until I awakened the echoes 

 with a loud " war- whoop" I was unseen; but mail's 

 voice always has its effect in cases of this kind. The 

 vermin, with startled stare, plainly asking what the 

 deuce right I had to interfere, sulkily trotted off as 

 I advanced; while the persecuted, in return for my 

 kindness, lowered his head, and pushed rapidly for me, 

 compelling me to seek safety in flight. Such conduct, 

 in the buffalo was scarcely commendable, and very 

 unusual. I accounted for it by the harassing his temper 

 had suffered, as well as his feeling how inadequate his 

 strength was for escape by flight. 



Poor old creature, his days were numbered, for as 

 soon as my back was turned, and a safe distance inter- 

 vened between us, the wolves returned, and as I rode 

 homewards, occasionally turning and halting to watch 



