92 THE LION KILLER. 



CHAPTER V. 



HUNTING THE WILD BOAR. 



The wild hog is abundant in the three provinces of Algeria. 

 There are two kinds : the wild hog of the woods, and that 

 of the swamps. The former is larger, more sullen and 

 dangerous than the latter. 



In the commencement of the French occupation, they 

 could be found in droves of hundreds around the towns and 

 camps. 



In the night, they destroyed the gardens planted by our 

 soldiers, even at the very foot of the fortifications, and under 

 the sentry's gun. This reminds me of the first boar hunt I 

 had in Algeria, in which I experienced stronger emotions 

 than in my proper vocation. 



It was in the commencement of September, 1842, and the 

 day after my arrival in Guelma, where the squadron of spahis 

 that I had joined was stationed. 



At the time when Guelma was still but a camp, the neigh- 

 boring tribes were but little under submission to foreign rule, 

 and our commander had been obliged to take measures for 

 the safety of his men, and gave orders that none should pass 

 beyond the outposts towards the south. 



