226 HUNTING SPORTS OF THE WEST. 



in their vain attempts to escape from their sanguinary 

 assailants. 



While I was at Spokan I went occasionally to the 

 horse prairie, which is nearly surrounded by partially- 

 wooded hills, for the purpose of watching the manoeuvres 

 of the wolves in their combined attacks. The first an- 

 nouncement of their approach was a few shrill currish 

 barks at intervals, like the outpost firing of skirmishing 

 parties. These were answered by similar barking from 

 an opposite direction, until the sounds gradually approxi 

 mated, and at length ceased on the junction of the dif- 

 ferent parties. We prepared our guns, and concealed 

 ourselves behind a thick cover. In the mean time, the 

 horses, sensible of the approaching danger, began to paw 

 the ground, snort, toss up their heads, look wildiy about 

 them, and exhibit all the symptoms of fear. One or two 

 stallions took the lead, and appeared to wait with a de- 

 gree of comparative composure for the appearance of the 

 enemy. 



The allies at length entered the field in a semicircular 

 form, with their flanks extended for the evident purpose 

 of surrounding their prey. They were between two and 

 three hundred strong. The horses, on observing their 

 movement, knew from experience its object, and dreading 

 to encounter so numerous a force, instantly turned round, 

 and galloped off in a contrary direction. Their flight 

 was the cignal for the wolves to advance ; and immedi- 

 ately uttered a simultaneous yell, they charged after the 

 fugitives, still preserving their crescent form. Two or 

 three of the horses, which were not in the best condition, 

 were quickly overtaken by the advanced guard of the 



