Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-10-24
MISCELLA AN Y.
Trapping Wolves in Russia.


Russia few years ago, gives the following
account of his adventures on wolf hunt
with Russian baron. He went With his
friend, the baron, into the wood in Rus
sian sleigh. Bat let himteil his own story
1t was evident from the division Of trees
that we were following some known track,
though il was sometimes 50 1Srrow and cir
cuilous that we were IN Danger OF collision
with the trunks Of Old oaks and their
branches. Now aud then we emerged from
the trees into wide open, of perhaps one
or two hundred acres, with here and there
a magnificent oak. covered with hoary foil
age, towering in solitary grandeur. In
summer these opens present the appearance
Of parks arlili.-ially laid out, surrounded by
dark forests on all sides. The driver was
never at a loss. 8" j know these trees, (said
he y there is is no danger with such an
gels of horses. Nool moo Step out, my
lears. We shall soon get among the wolves.
| think | sec ,heir marks"
Let US now try our decoy." said the bar
on, and he dragged from under the seat of
the sleigh half-grown porker, who had
lain there during the journey with quiet
gruuis. BY dint OF pair Of pliers TO the
end of his tail, he was soon made to per-
form solo of pig music with variations,
which resounded for miles through the still
ness Of the forest. For some time we
could discern no wolves, but at length we
caught sisht of two, skulking among the
underwood, in parallel line with our path,
but at respectful distance. Although we
kept up the deeoy music, they were shy OF
approaching within shot. One end of a
long white cotton rope was lhea attached
to the mouth of the pigs bag, the other end
to the back of the sleigh and as we slovi iy
turned bend in the track the bag was
dropped behind. We slackened pace and
as the rope ran out, the pig became OF
course stationary. When the rope was all
run out, we stopped aud got out OF the
| sleigh TO watch the result, taking cur sta
tion about two hundred yards from the pig,
behind tree, with our eyes on the place
where we had seen two wolves. The pig.
meantime, finding himself in new position,
| put new geal TO Ais music. The wolves
! left the cover with springs and jumps, and
| soon approached the poor pig, who was IN
greater danger than Ourselves. As they
were on the point OF spriRging on the bag
in fact. one oe ttem had made the jump
Ia siyn caused the driver to move on with
his horse, thus pulling the prey out of their
reach. and setting them both wondering
what this conld mean. The wonder did
not last long, for the wolves distinctly had
sneit pork, and meant 10 dine, on II.
They again approached the bag, and the
,r.aaxa,l.l xvlsi.. tIa fnnSf Yacifef-
Aous and resoundins shrieks preceded from
the pig inside. The wolves made furious
run, and again the driver gave the reins to
the horses till he had pulled the pig nearly
on a line with the place where tue baron
and were standing; the wolves following
with TO CUES out and glaring eyes. l'ott
rifles went off at the same moment. and
strange 10 say, only one wolf rolled over
We lad both fired into one. The othel
wolf sprang for cover, but was stopped anC
brought 10 bay by three dogs, who verl
soon made an end Of him, receiving in th'
struggle a few sharp bites from hispgiy
teeth.
This method of decoying the wolves i
common in that part of the country, and
not unattended with danger, for in case o
a large pack being attracted, nothing bu
$ fleet horses can save the hunters. We hae
this advantage. besides rifles and dogs, an'
: were prepared for as many wolves as nigh
show themselves.
DO vou hear that 2" said the baron, a
an unmistakahie bowling yelp was born
to US on the wind. We have only klllet
the advance guard the pack is in full cry
Be quick fetch in the pig, and let US dra;
these two behiad the sleigh"
We tied the rope round the neck ot eaci
wolf, and dragged both as fast as possible
secured The dogs in the sleigh, and jumpr'
in ourselves. Then off we sped again
e voices by this time visible on each side c
US and behind us. We soon found W
could sustain pace Of three feet to thei
two, and this cleared us Of risk. All W
had to do was to prevent their gettin
ahead of us.
Having reloaded our empty barrels an
lighted our cigars, we kept watch on eithe
side for good shot; but it is not easy t
get good shot in running sleigh, unles
the object be stationary, large and near.
Mattivic," said the baron. go slower
keep your eyes on the horses, and pull u
very gradually when cry stop"
!, Il hear"
A detachment behind we're now comm!
up in fine style.
Slower, Alativic."
e al hear"
We got on our knees on the seat of th
sledse with our faces TO the approaehin
r wolves, about fifteen in number; we reste
I our rifles on The back, aud as the wulve
e came up the barun said;
:, Now. take one on the left, and III ial;
one on the right, and as soon as you Sc
their teeth. fire."
"Stop, Mattivic."
:" hear"
Gradually the sleigh came to a stan'
The wolves were by this time within twer
ty yards of as, and we could see their grir
"a ming and sharp grinders, their tongues lal
e; ping, and the light IN their fiery eyes.
Are YOU ready? Fire Two dow
/. Again, The other barrel. Ready? Fire
D Other two down. Drive on. Maftivic, SLOW
~ "; il win take them some time TO consid,
of that"
The wolves all stopped. and seemed
: gather round their fallen friends. A tuI
in the wood hid them from view. Eve
our enemies on the right and leii flank
paused at the unexpected reports Of Il
4 Il -.