i8S 
THE GREAT THICK-SKINNED ANIMALS 
when the ground is buried in snow, and they are half maddened by 
long fasts, that the wolves, banding together, attempt to overcome the 
grizzly old patriarch that at other times they fear to approach. Should 
they discover at such a season some solitary old boar roaming by 
himself, the howling pack immediately follows on his track, bringing 
others of their fellows to join in the chase, and, emboldened by num¬ 
bers, hurry after their wished-for prey. Well does he know the 
whining cry which echoes and re-echoes through the gloomy woods; 
THE WILD BOAR 
and the stern old recluse, casting quick glances on every side from his 
blood-shot eyes, trots rapidly over the snow, seeking some favoring 
thicket where he can give battle to his pursuers. He appreciates the 
danger that menaces him, and is fully aware that, should they overtake 
him in the open woods, their numbers would be more than a match 
even for his great strength; and when the shrill howls break clearer 
on the frosty air, as the eager wolves draw near he selects the matted 
base of some fallen tree, wh$f® the roots, twisting about in fanciful 
