The Borzoi or Russian Wolfhound. 295 



his study, one by one, and their exploits separately 

 recorded. Noble looking fellows they are ; and by 

 their immense size and powerful frames, 'of much the 

 same formation as our English greyhound, they are 

 admirably adapted to course big game. They look 

 quiet, but the least movement excites them ; and in 

 leading them even through the hall, from the study, 

 there was very nearly a battle royal or two. The 

 Russian chasseurs, though, beat any men I have 

 ever seen in handling a hound ; and their influence, 

 apparently all by kindness, is extraordinary. I 

 noticed that even the puppies at play made for the 

 same spot in trying to pull each other down — 

 namely, by the side of the neck under the ear ; and 

 this mode of attack seems instinctively born in 

 them. The wolf's running is perfectly straight, and 

 if he attacks it is straight ahead ; he will only turn 

 if caught in a manner to do so ; and a dog laying 

 hold of him over the back or hind quarters would be 

 terribly punished. The clever wolfhound never gets 

 hurt, no matter whether he or the wolf attacks first ; 

 and some singular trials of this sort have taken 

 place. 



'' Recently, a very big wolf, that had been cap- 

 tured with much difficulty, was matched against any 

 two hounds in Russia. The challenge was accepted, 

 and the wolf placed in a huge box in an open space. 



