326 THE WOLF. : 
There are several species of Wolf, each of which species is divided into three or four 
varieties, which seem to be tolerably permanent, and by many observers are thought to be 
sufficiently marked to be considered as separate species. However, as even the members 
of the same litter partake of several minor varieties in form and colour, it is very possible 
that the so-called species may be nothing more than very distinctly marked varieties. 
These voracious and dangerous animals are found in almost every quarter of the globe ; 
whether the country which they infest is heated by the beams of the tropical sun or 
frozen by the lengthened winter of the northern regions. Mountain and plain, forest and 
field, jungle and prairie, are equally infested with Wolves, which possess the power of 
finding nourishment for their united bands in localities where even a single predaceous 
animal might be perplexed to gain a livelihood. 
The colour of the common WOLF is grey, mingled with a slight tinting of fawn, and 
diversified with many black hairs that are interspersed amone the lighter coloured fur. 
In the older animals the grey appears to predominate over the fawn, while the fur of the 
younger Wolves is of a warmer fawn tint. The under parts of the animal, the lower jaw, 
and the edge of the upper lip, are nearly white, while the interior face of the limbs is of 
a grey tint. From this latter circumstance the Norwegians, with their usual superstitious 
dislike to callmg an animal by its right name, dignity the Wolf by the title of “Graa- 
been,” or Grey-legs. The equally superstitious Finns prefer the name of “ Loajaleg,” or 
sroad-foot. Between the ears the head is almost entirely erey, and without the mixture 
of black hairs, which is found in greatest profusion along the line of the spine. 
When hungry—and the Wolf is almost always hungry—it is a bold and dangerous 
animal, daring almost all things to reach its prey, and venturing to attack large and 
powerful animals,—such as the buffalo, the elk, or the wild horse. Sometimes it has 
been known to oppose itself to other carnivora, and to attack so unpromising a foe as the 
bear. My, Lloyd records an instance of this presumption on the part of the Wolves. 
During a bear-hunt, when the hunting party was led by a dog that was following the 
footsteps of a bear, a small herd of Wolves, few in number, suddenly made their appear- 
ance, pounced on the dog, and devoured it. They then took up the trail, and when they 
came up with the bear entered into battle with him. The fight terminated in favour of 
the bear; but not without much exertion and great danger to both parties, as was proved 
by the quantity of bear and Wolf fur that lay scattered about the scene of combat. So 
severely had the bear been treated that his fur was found to be quite useless when 
he was killed by the hunters a few days after the conflict. 
This is not a solitary example of a fight between bears and Wolves, as the same author 
mentions a similar combat, which would apparently have had a different result. The 
bear had retreated to a large tree; and, standing with his back against the trunk, boldly 
faced his antagonists, and for some time kept them at bay. At last, however, some of 
the Wolves crept round the tree, and seizing him unexpectedly in the flank, inflicted such 
severe wounds that he would soon have fallen a victim to their ferocity had not they 
been put to flight by the approach of some men. 
It is by no means nice in: its palate, and will eat almost any living animal,—from 
human beings down to frogs, lizards, and inseets. Moreover, it is a sad cannibal, and 
is thought by several travellers who have noted its habits to be especially partial to the 
flesh of its own kind. A weak, sickly, or wounded Wolf is sure to fall under the cruel 
teeth of its companions; who are said to be so fearfully ravenous that if one of their 
companions should chance to besmear himself with the blood of the prey which has just 
been hunted down, he is instantly attacked and devoured by the remainder of the 
pack. 
In their hunting expeditions the Wolves usually unite in bands, larger or smaller 
in number, according to cireumstances, and acting simultaneously for a settled purpose. 
If they are on the trail of a flying animal, as is represented in the large engraving on 
p. 325, the footsteps of their prey are followed up by one or two of the Wolves, while the 
remainder of the band take up their positions to the right and left of the leaders, so as to 
intercept the quarry if it should attempt to turn from its course. Woe be to any animal 
