The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1888-08-11

a Burmese Sport which Ia Dangerous a.
Well ms Exciting.

burmese Sport which Ia Dangerous ~
Well ms Exciting.
Wild boars were reported to us by a
neighboring farmer as having been
seen In large patch OF canes by tho
river. As these wild hogs do great
deal OF damage to the growing crops,
the farmers are always prompt In
letting the white hunters know when
ever the pests make their appearance.
So of we started for the fray very
early one morning before sunrise, this
being the correct time to enjoy the
sport. The beaters we're previously
sent forward to surround the brake.
We were mounted on tats, diminutive
but stout ponies, which are far better
suited for this sport than horses are.
Our weapons of offense consisted of
light yet strong, well-balanced lances
or spears, ranging from five feet up
ward in length, made out of bamboos
or lancewood, which latter somewhat
resembles ash in general toughness.
These spears are fitted with steel heads
ground to a sharp point, not barbed.
A keen-bladed hunting-knife, to ad-
minister the coup de grace If necessary,
completed our outfit. Most of these
knives came from India, where very
fine cutlery Is made, the steel being
finely tempered and flexible. / pos
sessed an invaluable one, which 1 had
brought from Afghanistan, captured
from hill chief during one of the
wars in that country. A griffin, as a
new arrival is called in India, has to
take several lessons in the use and
management of this boar-spear, when
mounted, before he can venture to take
part in the danger and excitement of
pig-sticking. 1t is a hazardous sport at
the best, but doubly so for a newcomer.
When we reached the place, which was
just beyond one side of the brake where
the boars were lying perdu, we ordered
the beaters to go ahead. They formed
semi-circular line around three sides
OF the brake a few PAGES only from
each other, then proceeded slowly
through the canes, the circle gradually
Strengthening, beating sticks together,
and shouting. The boars, alarmed, ran
out of their concealment by the only
way open, which was the side where
their mounted enemies awaited their
coming. When the tusl1ed monsters
appeared each cavalier selected his
boar, and rode with couched spear full
at him. If the boar was missed, or only
slightly wounded, he in turn became
the assailant, and it required much skill
in horsemanship to avoid the savage
onslaught. He will, with one vigorous
push, rip up your pony's belly, perhaps
mangling one OF your legs with his
tusks, which are quite us dangerous
weapons against you as your spear is
to him. The whole secret of successful
pig-sticking lies in the knack and prac-
ticed adroitness with which the boar is
manipulated. You must not gallop at
the boar full tilt with spear held firm;
you would not be able to stand the shock.
The spear would probably be shivered
into splinters or broken off short in your
hand. and you roughly hurled from your
saddle on to the earth, where the in
furiated hog would soon gore you to
death. You must be careful on strik-
ing the boar dexterously to withdraw
the spear by a quick turn of the wrist
as you gallop on. A skillful hunter
will, with one well-aimed thrust, pierce
the boar's heart, killing him instantly.
We managed to kill the whole drove,
numbering seven, that morning, with
out any casualty to ourselves. The
tuslls are very handsome and are made
into variety of articles, such as hilts
of daggers, handles of hunting and
carving knives, paper knives, ink
stands, and candlesticks inlaid with
silver. The workers in ivory carve
with much good taste and execution,
the figures especially being we'll done
and lifelilke. 1t is interesting to watch
these men at work; they squat on their
hams, curving their limbs around and
holding the ivory between their feet.
using their toes, which are long and
flexible, as fingers. Thus their hands
are left free to use in the actual work
of carving. They take long time to
carve any work of special Importance.
A fine set of ivory chessmen, carved in
character, each one Il finished repre-
sentative of the piece, often takes over
a year to complete. Some handsome
sets have even taken longer But time
with Orientals is not valued. The
workman is making his living and put
ing in his allotted span of existence
upon earth, and that is all he cares for.
Charles .Aubrey, in San francisco