text:  The umbrageous oak-forests of Daghestan have served from time immemorial as a covert for innumerable herds of wild hogs; and although the Tartars--like the Mussulmans--hold it a sin not only to eat but even to touch the unclean animal they consider it a praiseworthy act to destroy them--at least they practise the art of shooting on these beasts as well as exhibit their courage because the chase of the wild-boar is accompanied by great danger and requires cunning and bravery