.t THE WILD BOAfc. 235 



Habits Chase of the hoar. 



" The wild boar/' says Dr. Goldsmith, " cannot 

 properly be called either a solitary or a gregari- 

 ous animal. The three first years the whole lit- 

 ter follows the sow, and the family live in a herd 

 together. They are then called beasts of com- 

 pany, and unite their common forces against the 

 invasions of the wolf or the more formidable 

 beasts of prey. Upon this their principal safety, 

 while young, depends; for, when attacked, they 

 give each other mutual assistance ; the strongest 

 form a ring, and face the danger, and the weak- 

 est fall into the centre. In this position few ra- 

 venous beasts dare venture to attack them, but 

 pursue the chase where there is less resistance 

 and danger. However, when the wild boar is 

 arrived at a state of maturity, he walks the forest 

 alone and fearless. At that time he dreads no- 

 single creature, nor does he turn out of his way 

 even for man himself. He does not seek danger, 

 and he does not seem to avoid it." 



The chase of these animals is a dangerous, but 

 common, amusement of the great, in those coun- 

 tries where it is found. The dogs used for this 

 sport are of the slow, heavy kind; as those 

 trained for hunting the stag or roe-buck would 

 too soon come up with their prey, and instead of 

 a chase, would only furnish an engagement. 

 When the boar is housed, he goes slowly for- 

 ward, not much afraid, and at no great distance 

 from his pursuers. He frequently turns round, 



