142 
WILD BEASTS AND THEIR WAYS 
CHAP. 
certainly not condescend to run far before a puny 
antagonist. 
In the course of a long experience I have 
naturally adapted my tastes to the various 
portions of the world in which I have been 
situated; in many places where boars are shot, 
and are considered dangerous, I have not dared 
to relate or even to touch upon the incidents 
connected with the hounds and hunting-knife ; but 
I must confess that after the sport that I have 
enjoyed, I do not take the slightest pleasure in 
shooting pigs. It is seldom that my forefinger, 
paralysed by aversion, can be induced to pull the 
trigger. Should it disgrace itself by such an act, 
it is only to procure flesh for some section of the 
people who desire it; unless I am in Asia Minor, 
where I like it myself, stewed with leeks and 
onions, or “ onions and leeks, stewed with wild 
boar.” 
There is one consolation for all who destroy wild 
hogs—they are working for the public good. It is 
almost incredible, in certain countries where pigs are 
numerous, to witness the total destruction of crops 
committed by these animals. I have seen fields 
completely turned up as though by some agricul¬ 
tural implement, and actually nothing left; the 
industry of the cultivator being entirely wasted. 
Hundreds of wild pigs have been digging during 
the night in a newly sown field, in search of the 
grain, which would appear too insignificant for 
their notice. 
