was very little dust, as the
contest was carried on upon the green turf--and we could see distinctly
the manoeuvres of the animals.

There were three buffaloes--a cow, her calf, and a large bull that was
acting as their champion and protector. A pack of wolves had gathered
around them, in which there were some of the larger species, and these
kept up a continuous attack, the object of which was to destroy the
calf, and its mother if possible. This the bull was using all his
endeavours to prevent, and with considerable success too, as already
several of the wolves were down, and howling with pain. But what
rendered the result doubtful was that fresh wolves were constantly
galloping up to the spot, and the buffaloes would likely have to yield
in time. It was quite amusing to see the efforts made by the cunning
brutes, to separate the calf front its protector. Sometimes they would
get it a few feet to the one side, and fling it to the ground; but
before they could do it any great injury, the active bull, and the cow
as well, would rush forward upon them, scattering the cowardly creatures
like a flock of birds. Then the calf would place itself between the old
ones, and would thus remain for a while, until the wolves, having
arranged some new plan, would recommence the attack, and drive it forth
again. Once the position was strikingly in favour of the buffaloes.
This position, which seemed in the hurry of the conflict to turn up
accidentally, was in fact the result of design, for the old ones every
now and then endeavoured to renew it, but were hindered by the stupidity
of the calf. The latter was placed between them in such a way that the
heads of the bull and cow were in opposite directions, and thus both
flanks were guarded. In this way the buffaloes might have held their
ground, but the silly calf when closely menaced by the wolves foolishly
started out, rendering it necessary for its protectors to assume a new
attitude of defence.

It was altogether a singular conflict, a touching picture of parental
fondness. The end of it was easily guessed. The wolves would tire out
the old ones, and get hold of the calf of course, although they might
spend a long time about it. But the great herd was distant, and there
was no hope for the cow to get her offspring back to its protection. It
would certainly be destroyed.

Notwithstanding our sympathy for the little family thus assailed, we
were not the less anxious to