470 BIG GAME OF NORTH AMERICA. 



ear, and so acute is the Wolfs sense of smell, that the 

 hunter or bush-ranger is either seen, scented, or heard before 

 he has any idea that a Wolf had been near. ~Now and 

 then an accidental shot may be obtained, but even such 

 chances are few and far between. 



Six years ago, I saw an enormous Wolf on the Mada- 

 waska River. He had been started by another hunter from 

 the top of a mountain, and had rushed down the side of a 

 ravine, at the end of which I was watching for him. When 

 nearly within range, he jumped up, and stood upon a log 

 behind two pine-trees, which concealed every part of his 

 body but his nose and the end of his tail. Neither of the 

 visible parts being as vulnerable as the nose of a bear, I 

 waited for him to advance one more step. This he did not 

 do, but jumped off the log and disappeared in the thick 

 brush and tall weeds. . Thus I lost my chance of getting a 

 grand trophy, and thus, owing to his escape, I feel con- 

 vinced that many a beautiful Deer afterward lost its life. 



Spearing the Gray Wolf on the open prairies, in the 

 style of "pig-sticking" in India, is a most exciting kind 

 of sport. Some of the more expert cowboys also have great 

 sport roping him. This is usually only practiced where 

 several of the men are riding together, in order that they 

 may harass and turn the Wolf at frequent intervals, thus 

 breaking his speed and playing into each other's hands. 



These runs are not, however, always unattended by dan- 

 ger, occasioned by badger-holes and prairie-dog towns, 

 which are frequently encountered in the chase. But the 

 grandest sport with the Gray, or, as he is called on the 

 plains, the Timber Wolf, may be enjoyed in coursing the 

 animal with strong and courageous Greyhounds. Although 

 the Gray Wolf is an animal of great speed and endurance, 

 he is soon overtaken by the fleet-footed Gazehounds, which 

 snap at and wound him with their powerful jaws and teeth, 

 and by their extreme agility avoid his dangerous attacks, 

 keeping him at bay until the mounted hunter arrives and 

 terminates the chase by a well-directed pistol-shot. In 

 consequence of the swiftness and great staying powers of 



