The Red Cloud chief., 1888-08-10

HUNTING WILD eOARS.
A Burmess Sport watch 10 Dangerous ~
Well ~ Exciting.
Wild boars were reported to US BY q
neighbOring farmer as having been
seen in q large patch of canes by the
river. As these wild hogs do q 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 on We started for the fray very
early one morning before sunrise. this
being the correct time to enjoy the
sport. The heaters were 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 Lakewood, which latter somewhat
resembles ash in general toughness.
These spears r fitted with steel heads
ground to a sharp point, not barbed.
A keen-bladed hunting-knife. to adj
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. I pos
sessed an invaluable one. which l had
brought from Afghanistan. captured
from 4 hill chief during n of the
wars in that country. A griffin. as q
new arrival is called In India. has to
tako 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. It is q hazardous sport at
the best. but dOubly so fora newcomer.
When we reached the place. which was
just beyond one side of the brake where
the bears were lying perdu. We ordered
the heaters to go ahead. They formed
a 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 b0ars. alarmed. ran
out OF their cOncealment by the only
way opon, which was the side where
their mounted enemies awaited their
coming. When the tusked 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 Craftsmanship to avoid the savage
onslaught. He will. with one vigorous
push. rip up your pony's belly. perhaps
mangling n Of your legs with his
tusks. which are quite as dangerous
weapons against you as your spear ia
to him. Tho 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 OF broken of 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. |
managed to kill the whole drove, |
seven, that morning. with
out any casualty to ourselves. The
tusks are very handsome and are made
into q variety of articles. such as hilts
Of daggers, handles OF hunting and
carving knives. paper knives. ink.
and c~andlesticks inlaid with
silver. The workers in ivory carve
much good taste and execution.
the figures especially being we'll done
and lifelike. 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
iexible. as fingers. Thus their hands
ire left free to use in the actual work
If carving. They take a long time to
;arve any work of special importance.
4 fine set Of ivory chessmen. carved in
each one a finished repre-
tentative Of the piece. often takes over
year to complete. Some handsome
'ets have ever taken longer. But time
With Orientals is not valued. The
workman is making his living and put
ng in his allotted span of existence
lpOn earth. and that is all he cares for.
Charles aubrey. in San Franci,co
CopperaS as . Fertilizer.
Favorable reports from Franco IA.