During the reign of Malcolm IV, King of the Scots, Hugh de Swinton and his fellow mosstroopers helped keep the rampaging Galloway rebels at bay. But it was for his expertise in the killing of wild boars, as protector of the Swintons' sheep flocks, that young Hugh was brought to Malcolm's attention. But Malcolm was a pious man much concerned with the well-being of his people. And he handpicked Hugh de Swinton to mastermind a very special project close to his heart: to establish Scotland's first real hospital for the sick and poor, at Soutra in Lauderdale. 'Through his imaginative dialogue, he provides a voice for Scotland's heroes' Scotland on Sunday
## Unleash Your Inner Hunter The Ultimate Guide to Hunting Wild Boar Venture into the thrilling world of wild boar hunting with *The Ultimate Guide to Hunting Wild Boar*, your comprehensive companion for mastering this exhilarating pursuit. This expertly crafted eBook equips both novice and experienced hunters with all the knowledge and techniques needed to track, stalk, and harvest wild boar with confidence and skill. ### Unravel the Mysteries of Wild Boar Begin your journey by delving deep into the behavior and habits of wild boar. Learn about their social structures, feeding habits, and seasonal movements, arming yourself with the insights necessary to predict and locate your quarry with precision. ### Prepare Like a Pro Gear up with expert advice on selecting the right equipment and preparing your rifle or bow. Master the art of scouting and map reading to identify promising hunting grounds and ensure a successful outing. ### Safety First Your safety is paramount. Discover crucial first aid and emergency protocols, as well as defensive tactics to protect yourself against charging boar. Learn safe handling and transport methods for your harvested game. ### Tracking and Stalking Mastery Perfect your tracking skills by identifying signs and utilizing trail cameras effectively. Understand scent and sound markers, and enhance your stealth with movement strategies and terrain navigation tips. ### Harness the Power of Dogs Explore the benefits of using hunting dogs, from selection and training to working effectively in the field. Ensure the safety of both your canine companions and fellow hunters. ### From Ambush to Night Hunts Set up ambushes like a seasoned pro with tips on ideal locations, blinds, and managing wind and scent. Delve into advanced night hunting tactics, employing night vision and thermal imaging equipment for an edge in darkness. ### Precision and Ethical Practices Master effective shot placement and field dressing techniques to maximize your success and preserve your game. Stay informed on hunting regulations and ethical practices for a responsible and sustainable approach. ### Stories, Strategies, and Improvement Be inspired by real-life success stories and case studies, learning valuable lessons from both triumphs and failures. Continuously improve your skills by analyzing hunts, learning from mistakes, and staying updated with new techniques and gear. *The Ultimate Guide to Hunting Wild Boar* is your ticket to becoming a well-rounded, ethical, and highly proficient wild boar hunter. Embark on your hunting adventures with the knowledge to stay safe, be successful, and respect the wilderness.
Tapestries have been an enigmatic form of artwork for hundreds of years, with the intricate symbolism of their woven narratives still fascinating viewers today. Unicorns and fantastic beasts rub shoulders with well-heeled aristocrats; famous biblical and saintly stories are played out; allegorical figures, gods and goddesses recline in classical landscapes; and the arms and military achievements of wealthy patrons are depicted in sparkling glory. However, far from being an outdated craft, tapestries continue to be woven to this day, both by talented amateurs in their homes and by highly skilled artisans in studios and workshops around the world. In this beautiful illustrated introduction to the history of tapestries, Rosita Sheen reveals the fascinating story of these masterpieces, exploring their conception, manufacture, and symbolism right up to the present day.
The wild boar appears to us as something straight out of a myth. But as Jeffrey Greene learned, these creatures are very real, living by night and, despite shrinking habitats and hordes of hunters, thriving on six continents. Greene purchased an eighteenth-century presbytery in a region of ponds and forests in northern Burgundy between the Loire and Seine Rivers of France. He soon discovered he’d moved to one of the most densely populated boar areas in Europe. Following the gift of a side of boar from a neighbor, and a dramatic early-morning encounter with a boar-hunting party and its prey, Greene became fascinated with the animal and immersed himself in the legend and the reality of the wild boar. Although it has no natural enemies, the boar is in constant conflict with humans. Most societies consider it a pest, not only wreaking havoc on crops and livestock, but destroying golf-course greens in search of worms, even creating a hazard for drivers (hogs on the roads cause over 14,000 car accidents a year in France). It has also been the object of highly ritualized hunts, dating back to classical times. The animal’s remarkable appearance--it can grow larger than a person, and the males sport prominent tusks, called "whetters" and "cutters"--has inspired artists for centuries; its depictions range from primitive masks to works of high art such as Pietro Tacca’s Porcellino and paintings by Velázquez and Frans Snyders. The boar also plays a unique role in myth, appearing in the stories of Hercules and Adonis as well as in the folktale Beauty and the Beast. The author’s search for the elusive animal takes him to Sardinia, Corsica, and Tuscany; he even casts an eye to the American South, where he explores the boar’s feral-pig counterparts and descendents. He introduces us to a fascinating cast of experts, from museum curators and scientists to hunters and chefs (who share their recipes) to the inhabitants of chateaux who have lived in the same ancient countryside with generations of boars. They are all part of a journey filled with wonders and discoveries about these majestic animals the poet Robinson Jeffers called "beautiful monsters."
During the reign of Malcolm IV, King of the Scots, Hugh de Swinton and his fellow mosstroopers helped keep the rampaging Galloway rebels at bay. But it was for his expertise in the killing of wild boars, as protector of the Swintons' sheep flocks, that young Hugh was brought to Malcolm's attention. But Malcolm was a pious man much concerned with the well-being of his people. And he handpicked Hugh de Swinton to mastermind a very special project close to his heart: to establish Scotland's first real hospital for the sick and poor, at Soutra in Lauderdale. 'Through his imaginative dialogue, he provides a voice for Scotland's heroes' Scotland on Sunday
