126 THE WOLF. 



branch of a tree, having previously laid a train, by leaving at 

 proper intervals small pieces of putrid flesh, which the wolves, 

 having an exquisite scent, can smell at a great distance. The 

 hunters then wait till it be dark, and with great circumspection 

 approach the place, where they often find two or three wolves 

 assembled, leaping up, and endeavouring to catch the bait ; and 

 while the animals are thus busily employed, they despatch them 

 with their fire-arms. 



Another method is to take them in strong nets, into which 

 they are driven by the hunters, who surround a large tract of 

 land, and with drums, horns, and other instruments, accompa- 

 nied with loud shouts from a large company that is generally as- 

 sembled on the occasion, drive them into the entrance of the 

 nets, where they are entangled, and easily despatched. Some- 

 times they are taken in pitfalls, being allured by a bait. 



It is remarkable, that as soon as the wolf finds himself en- 

 snared, and sees no possibility of escape, his courage entirely 

 forsakes him, and he is for some time so stupified with fear, that 

 he may be either killed, or taken alive, without difficulty ; and 

 at that moment, one may muzzle him and lead him along like a 

 dog ; his consternation seeming to extinguish his ferocity and 

 resentment. 



Wolves are found, with some variety, in most countries of the 

 old and the new continent. They are very prolific, bringing forth 

 from five to nine young at a litter. The cubs, like those of the 

 canine race, are brought forth with their eyes closed. The darn 

 suckles them for some weeks, and it is said that she teaches them 

 to eat flesh, by chewing it for them herself. Buffbn says, that 

 the wolf goes above a hundred days with young, while some 

 other naturalists limit its time of gestation to the same period 

 with that of the bitch, which is about sixty-three days ; and from 

 the accounts of the celebrated Dr. Hunter, there appears to be 

 no room to doubt that the wolf and the dog will breed together, 

 and produce an intermediate species capable of subsequent 

 propagation. 



We have already mentioned that these two animals, although 

 extremely opposite in disposition and habits, resemble each other 

 in form ; it is also proper to observe, that in size there is not 

 much difference, the wolf being somewhat taller than the largest 

 greyhound ; but he is so far superior in strength, as to be able 

 to carry away a sheep in his mouth. His breath is very offen- 

 sive, his bite difficult to cure, and his aspect ferocious. 



Having given a display of the habits and disposition of the 

 most destructive of all animals of prey, our attention will now 

 be called to those of a creature which has always been as fa- 

 mous for his artifices, as the wolf has been for his cruelty. 



