126 
WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS 
CHAP. 
and about half a dozen large dogs, such as Scotch 
deer - hounds, kangaroo - hounds from Australia, 
and all kinds of curious cross-breeds, that would 
produce powerful, speedy, and savage dogs. Some 
of these met an early grave, as they did not 
temper valour with discretion. The dog that 
will fly straight into a boar’s face, or into the face 
of a sambur stag, is perfectly certain to meet a 
glorious death, before its career shall have actually 
commenced. There are seizers who are born with 
gifts. Equally courageous, they fight to win ; like 
a skilled swordsman, they enter scientifically upon 
the strife, instead of rushing heedlessly upon the 
point of their adversary’s weapon. 
I have had dogs of immense power and courage, 
combined with wonderful discretion. Such a dog, 
when a boar is at bay, would certainly refuse to 
attack unless holloaed on by his master; at the 
sound of the well-known voice he would fly straight 
into the jaws of death ; but if left to his own 
instincts he would join in the chorus of the bay, 
and watch for an opportunity. Any stranger would 
imagine that the dog was devoid of pluck, should 
he be seen, now advancing with apparent boldness, 
then suddenly springing back when the boar made 
an unexpected demonstration ; but with a little 
more patience, it would be seen that he was only 
trying the character of his game, and reserving 
his power until the boar should make some 
audacious charge, which would for the moment 
separate it from its secure asylum. Then, at the 
