THE AUROCHS 
level tract when he can find it, especially if there is a chance of wallowing, 
and it is in these spots that their tracks are most often seen. 
The few remaining specimens in the Caucasus owe their existence 
entirely to their shyness and the density of the forest in which they 
dwell. 
It has been rumoured for some time past that the Grand Duke Michael 
may abandon his preserve, as it is very difficult to prevent poaching, and 
so much ill-feeling has been created by making the natives vacate their 
grazing grounds, to which they have considered themselves entitled from 
time immemorial. Should this happen, the game would very soon be 
decimated, as nearly every shepherd possesses a breech -loading rifle, 
which is at present kept concealed. On the other hand, it is not impossible 
that a sort of national park, on the lines of the Yellowstone in America, 
may be established, and if this could be kept free from poachers it would 
be a splendid thing for the preservation of big game in the Caucasus. 
Were it not for the difficulty of excluding shepherds and their flocks, 
there are many excellent localities in the range, the sporting rights of 
which might possibly be hired from the Russian Government at a moderate 
sum, but as one’s sport and peace of mind depends very largely on the 
goodwill of the natives I doubt if this would answer. 
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