XVII 
THE BOAR 
127 
exact moment, with a spring from one side, the 
dog would jump across the shoulder of the boar 
and seize the ear upon the opposite side, thus 
pulling the boar’s head in a manner that would 
turn its nose up in a contrary direction, and save 
the dog from a collision with the tusks. This is 
high art in seizing, and it comes natural to some 
dogs, but never can be taught. 
The usual plan, when hunting on foot, is to wait 
in one position from the earliest notes of the “find,” 
until the chorus of voices proclaims the bay. You 
then tear your way through the jungle in the 
endeavour to reach the point as soon as possible. 
I was always accompanied by two faithful seizers, 
which never left my side ; this was a great 
advantage, as when, after great exertion, we neared 
the spot, it was only necessary to holloa the dogs 
on, and the tw T o big seizers instantly responded, 
and appeared as fresh allies upon the scene. In 
another moment all the seizers resolutely sprang 
upon the boar, regardless of cuts and thrusts. The 
peculiar sound of angry grunts, and the excited 
yells of hounds, bespoke the desperate character 
of the conflict. 
There was then no time to lose, and, with the 
hunting-knife drawn, a few struggles through the 
tangled brake brought me upon the scene. One 
hound would have assuredly secured his hold, as 
I have described, upon the opposite ear, and would 
endeavour to turn the boar’s head upwards, by 
pulling back. Another would have seized the ear 
