CHAPTER III. 
FAUNA. 
In Northern Russia, with the exception of insects, the 
number of species of animals is limited, and they are only 
such as are found generally in almost all the countries 
of the same latitude. 
Section I—QuaDRUPEDS. 
Game is plentiful in Russia. There are plenty of hares, 
Zayatz: the white hare, which frequents the woods and 
moors, weighing from seven to ten pounds, and the red hare 
of the plains and cultivated lands, weighing from ten to 
fifteen pounds; and rabbits, Krolik, are abundant. 
By the end of September shooting with dogs is con- 
sidered over for the season; the capercailzie and black 
game have retired to the thickest woods ; the willow grouse 
are packed, and defy the most wary dog; and the snipe 
and woodcock have all left for warmer climes. 
Battue shooting now commences, and though a large 
head of game is seldom bagged, the sportsman finds 
variety in the game driven before him to be shot, and a 
wildness in the vast woods and moorland which possess a 
charm peculiarly their own! 
There are bears, Medred, to be found in almost all the 
forests of Russia. 
Bear hunting in Russia is generally conducted thus :— 
‘As soon as the first snow falls the peasants go out in 
search of bear tracks, When they come upon traces they 
follow the track, until they know by the numerous turns 
and twists which Bruin has made that he is thinking of 
choosing some snug corner for his winter quarters ; they 
