Delaware State journal and statesman., 1870-04-19
BunaIo and wolves.

On one occasion, while hunting, l obtain
ed nm excellent opportunity of witnessing
one ofthese encounters. At the distance OF
half a mile perceived an old bull going
through variety OF eccentric movements,
at the moment perfectly incomprehensible.
To know what might be the cause, as well
as perhaps to learn something new regard
ing this species, l left my horse, and made
most careful stalk without oncel exposing
myself, retaining the advantage OF wind till
within hundred yards of the old gentle
man. The ground in the vicinity was much
broken, and before attempting to obtain
survey OF the situation esconced myself
behind boulder. had been eminently
successful the first glance told me. There
was the bull pretending TO feed, while four
prairie wolves were lying around him on the
sparsely covered soil, tongues out, and evil
IDENTIFY short of breath from some excessive
exertion. None of the drdmatis persona
had seen me, and chuckled in my shoes as
grasped more firmly my double-barrel,
knowing how soon L could turn the tide of
battle. In few minutes the apparent ring
leader of the quartet got up and shook him
self This was the signal for the others to
get upon their pins. Prairie wolf number
one walked quietly toward the bull, occa-
sionally stopping Il believe after the man
ner oil dogs) 10 pluck grass; then, with
sudden spring, made feint at the persecu-
ted buffalo's head. The buffalo in his turn
lowered bis Os .frontis, and rushed few
steps TO meet him; but this was unueces-
sarY. Now the rest of the fraternity rush
ed up. Another took the post of teaser,
while our friend number one dropped in the
rear; and when second feint at the head
was made by his comrade, number one
watching his chance, left deep scar over
the bulls hook. Again and again this game
was played, the same wolf always retaining
his rear position. Is not the instinct OF ami
mails most similar to the reason of MANI
Here each wolf had his allotted work.
doubtless that which was best suited for his
capacity.
The rear assault was the most dangerous,
for a kick well directed would unquesiona.
bly, have caused instant death to the adven,
turous assailani; but the most experienced
and expert had selected the post OF dangel
and honor The flashing eyes and foaminl
mouth OF the bull told plainly the result; 81
l stepped from my place of concealment.
However, all were so occupied that until
awakened the echoes with a loud "war
whoop" ! was unseen; but mans voice al
ways has an effect in cases Of this kind. TIL
vermin, with startled stare, plainly askin
what right had to interfere, sulkily trotteI
on as advanced; while the prosecuted, il
AASoNA
and pushed rapidly for me, compelling MI
10 seek safety In flight. Such conduct il
the buffalo was scarcely commendable, an
very unusual. accounted for it by tn
harassing his temper had suffered, as we
as his feeling how inadequate his strepgt
was for escape. Poor old creature, his day
were numbered, for as soon as my back wa
turned, and safe distance intervened be
tween US, the wolves returned; and as
rode homeward, occasionally turning an
halling TO watch the gradually more indi
tinct belligerents, the victim was still en-
ployed in battling for life. After all, VIZ
be not paying the debt oil nature, and dyin
} as his ancestors for generations had died b.
fore himP Man yields his spirit to th
) source from whence il emanates on luxu
ious couch or humble straw bed, after FRI
, quenily suffering from protracted and paiI
i iul Illness. The veteran buffalo, effete froi
r age, after a long and happy lite, when un,
BILE 10 keep with his companions dies in
gallant and short struggle, overpowered
his too numerous enemies, death wortl
! OF hero.