The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-02-01
A Russian Wolf Hunt.

Wolf hunting and bear hunting are the
favorite pleasures of the Russians. Wolves
are hunted IN this way in the winter. when
the wolves, being hungry, are fcrocious -
Three or four huntsmen, each armed with
doubled-barreled gun, got into q troica,
which is sort carriage drawn by three
horses, its name being derived from its team,
and from its form. The middle horse trots
with his head hanging down,and he is called
the snow Eater. The two Others have only
one rein, and they are fastened to the poles
by the middle OF the body, and gallop their
heads free-they are called the Fourious.
The troica Is driven by sure coachman-
if there is such thing Us n sure coachman.
A pig is tied to the rear Of tho vehicle by
rope or chain (for greater security some
twelve yards long. The pig is kept in tho
vehicle until the huntsmen reach the forest
where the hunt is to take place, when he is
taken out and the horses started. The pig,
not being accustomed to this gait, squeals,
and his squeals soon degenerate into lamen-
tatons. Ills cries bring out one wolf, who
gives the pix chase; then two wolves, then
three, then ten, then fifty wolves-all post
ing after the poor pig as fast as they can 90,
fighting among themselves for the best places
swapping and striking at the poor pig at every
opportunity. who squcals with despair.-
These squeals Of agony arouse all the wolves
in the forest, within circuit Of three miles,
and the troika is followed by an immense
flock of wolves. IL is now thata good driver
is indispensable. The horses have an in
stinctiye horror of wolves, and 60 almost
crazy; they ran as fast rs they can go.
The huntsmen fire as they can load: there
is no nee ,ssity to take any aim. Tho pig
squcals, the horses neigh, the wolves howl,
the guns rattle; 1t isa concert to make Ma
phislophicles jealous. As long as the driver
commands his horses, as fast as they may be
rnnning away, there is no danger. But, If
he ceases to b. master of them; IL they balk,
IL The troika is upset, there is no hope. The
next day, or the day after, or u week after
wards, nothing will remain Of tho party but
the wreck Of the troika, the barrels OF the
guns, and the larger bones of the huntsmen,
troika, and horses.
Last winter Prince Repine went one Of
these hunts, and 1t came very near being his
last hunt. lie was on visit with two Of
his friends to one of his estates near the step
pc, and they determined to go on wolf hunt.
They prepared a large sleigh in which three
persons could move at ease; three vigorous
horses were put into it, and they selected for
driver q man born in the country and
thoroughly experienced in the sport. Every
hun,sman had pair of dodble-barrel guns,
and one hundred and fifty ball cartridges. II
was night when they reached the steppe;that
u, AN immense prairie covered with snow. The
moon was full, and shonc brilliantly; its
beams, rcfracted by the snow, gave q light
scarcely inferior to daylight.
The pig was put out OF the sleigh and the
horses whipped up. As soon as the pig felt
that he was dragged he began to squeal, A
wolf or two appeared; but they were timid
and kept long way of. Their numbers
gradually increased, and rs they gained in
strength they became bolder. There were
about twenty wolves when they came within
gun range Of the troika. One OF the party
fired; w)lf fell. The flock be came alarmed
and half fed away. Seven or eight hungry
wolves remained behind TO devour their dead
companion. The gaps were soon filed. On
every side howls answered howls; on every
side sharp noses and brilliant eyes were seen
reering. The guns ratified volley after vol
ley; but the flock of wolves increased instead
of diminishing, and soon 1t was not flock.
but vast herd of wolves in their serricd
columns, which gave chase To the sleigh.
The wolves bounded forward 10 rapidly
they seemed TO fly over the snow. and 70
lightly not sound was hcard their numbers
continued to increase and increase; they
seemed to be silent tide drawing nearer and
naarer, and which the guns Of the party. rs
rapidly as they were discharged had no effect
on. The wolves formed q vast crescent, whose
horns began to encompass tho horcs. The
numbers increased 20 rapidly they seemed to
spring out Of the ground. There was some
thing weird in their appearance. for where
could three thousand wolves come from on
such desert Of snow? The party had taken
the pig into the sleigh; his squeals increased
the wolves boldness. Tho party continued
their fire, but they had now used about half
their ammunition, and but two hundred
cartridges LEFT, while they are surrounded by
three thousand wolves. The horns Of the
crescent became nearer aud nearer, and
threatened to envclop the party.
II one OF the horses should have given out,
the fate Of the whole party was sealed.
"What do you think oi this, Iyan?" said
Prince Repine, speaking to the driver.
81 would rather be ut home, Prince"
care you afraid Of any evil conscqucnces'
"The devils have tasted blood, and the
moro you Gre the more wolves you'll have"
"what do you think is the best thing co
done?"
SNAKE the horses 20 faster"
"Are you sure Of the horss?"
.'Yes, Prince"
"Arc you sure Of our safety3'
The driver made no reply. lie quickcncd
the horses, and turned their heads toward
home. The driver excited them to increased
spccd by sharp whistle, and made them
describe curve which intersccted one OF the
horns of the crescent. The wolves opened
their ranks and let tho horses pass
The Prince raised his gun 70 his shoulder.
..Por Gods sake don't FIRE ~ exclaimed
the driver .we are dcad II you dof'
He obeyed Ivan. Tho wolves, astoni.hcd