WILD BOARS-—JACKALLS. 
159 
tually turn up, though I was quite given up by the 
rest, as the veldt was known to be full of lions. 
I was truly thankful to reach the wagons, which 
was all a matter of chance, as I knew no more where 
the wagon-track was than Hopeful did ; and I am 
convinced, even if I could have got food and fire, I 
should hardly have weathered two more such nights, 
and I might have gone seven or eight before coming 
across any habitation. 
Wild boars are dangerous things. A friend of 
mine, once, on chasing a very large one to ground, 
made a large fire and smoked him out. He rushed 
through smoke and flames, and vented his rage on 
the horse, goring him terribly. He eventually re¬ 
covered, after a deal of time and trouble. They 
afford excellent sport, however, with good dogs, with 
or without a rifle. Proudfoot and myself, one morn¬ 
ing, stuck five before breakfast with large clasp 
knives. We had excellent dogs, well up to the sport, 
holding on like vices, each by an ear. Frequently, 
when they make for holes, down which they invari¬ 
ably go tail first, give them a little time, and jump a 
few times heavily above them, three or four together, 
and they bolt like rabbits. 
I have chased a jackall into a porcupine’s hole, 
and the inmates have at once driven him out, choos¬ 
ing rather to trust his life once more to his heels 
than have his whole body stuck full of quills — 
almost as bad a predicament as a fellow-traveller (a 
wagon-driver) assured me happened to him once. 
