common hog: 367 
tacked, they give each other mutual assistance, 
calling to each other with a very loud and fierce 
note ; the strongest face the danger ; they form a 
ring, and the weakest fall into, the centre. In this- 
position few ravenous beasts dare venture to attack 
them, but pursue the chase where there is less re- 
sistance and danger. However, when the wild boar 
is come to a state of maturity, and when conscious of 
his own superior strength, he then 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 much seem to avoid it. 
Th is animal is. therefore seldom attacked, but 
at a disadvantage, either by numbers, or when 
found sleeping by moonlight. The hunting the 
wild boar is one of the principal amusements of 
the nobility in 'those countries where it is to be 
found. The dogs provided for this sport are of the 
slow heavy kind. Those used for hunting the 
stag, or the roebuck, would be very improper, as 
they would too soon come up with their prey ; and, 
instead of a chase, would only furnish out an en- 
gagement. A small "mastiff is therefore chosen ; 
nor are the hunters much mindful of the goodness „ 
of their nose, as^ the wild boar leaves so strong a 
scent, that it is impossible for them to mistake its 
course. They never hunt any but the largest and 
the oldest, which are known by their tracks. 
When the boar is rear’d, as is the expression for 
driving him from his covert, he goes slowly and 
uniformly forward, not much afraid, nor very far 
before his pursuers. At the end of every half 
mile, or thereabouts, he turns round, stops till the 
hounds come up, and offers to attack them. These, 
on the other hand, knowing their danger, keep off, 
and bay him at a distance. After they have for 
