126 EXTINCT BRITISH ANIMALS. 
We do not find, indeed, that the hawks and hounds 
were included in this new stipulation, but it does 
not seem reasonable that Edgar, who, like his pre- 
decessor, was extremely fond of field sports, should 
have remitted that part of the tribute.* 
It is generally admitted that Edgar relinquished 
the fine of gold and silver imposed by his uncle 
Athelstan upon Constantine, and claimed in its 
stead the annual production of 300 wolf-skins, be- 
cause, say the historians, the extensive woodlands 
and coverts, abounding at that time in Britain, 
afforded shelter for the Wolves, which were ex- 
ceedingly numerous, especially in the districts 
bordering upon Wales. By this prudent expedient, 
in less than four years, it is said, the whole island 
was cleared of these ferocious animals, without 
putting his subjects to the least expense.t But, as 
Strutt has observed,{ “if this record be taken in 
its full latitude, and the supposition established, 
that the Wolves were totally exterminated in Britain 
during the reign of Edgar, more will certainly be 
admitted than is consistent with the truth, as certain 
documents clearly prove.” The words of William of 
Malmesbury on the subject are to this effect, that 
“he, Edgar, imposed a tribute upon the King of 
Wales, exacting yearly 300 Wolves. This tribute 
* Strutt, “Sports and Pastimes.” 
+ It is singular that the same expedient has been resorted to in 
modern times, and with considerable success. In the accounts of 
Assinniboia, Red River Territory, there is an entry of payment for 
Wolves’ heads; andin 1868 the State of Minnesota paid for Wolves’ 
scalps 11,300 dollars, at the rate of 10 dollars apiece. 
{t “Sports and Pastimes.” 
