ANIMALS OP NORTH AMERICA. 43 



color of the common wolf is various ; mostly pale red, some- 

 times black or gray. The wolf of Pennsylvania scarcely 

 now to be met -with is redder than that of Florida, blacker 

 and larger than those found elsewhere ; but they are only 

 varieties and not a distinct species. 



The following remarkable incident took place near Bidde- 

 ford, Maine, a few years ago, and is so well vouched for as to 

 give no doubts as to its authenticity. A resident in that 

 place, a Mr. Adams, was that autumn engaged in felling trees 

 at some distance from his house. His little son eight years 

 old, was in the habit of running out into the fields and woods, 

 and often going where his father was at work. One day after 

 the frost had robbed the trees of their foliage, he left his work 

 sooner than usual and started home. On the edge of the 

 forest he saw a curious pile of leaves, and without stopping 

 to think what had made it, moved the heap, when to his 

 astonishment he found his boy asleep there. Taking him up 

 in his arms, he had scarcely moved many paces before he 

 heard a wolf's distant howl, quickly followed by others, till 

 the woods seemed alive with the dreadful sound. The howl 

 came nearer, and in a few minutes a large gaunt, savage 

 looking wolf leaped into the opening, closely followed by the 

 whole pack. Springing on the pile of leaves, it quickly scat- 

 tered them in all directions, but finding the bed empty his 

 look of fierceness changed into that of the most abject fear ; 

 for the rest, apparently enraged at being thus baulked of 

 their prey, fell oh him, tore him to pieces, and devoured him 

 on the spot. The victim had probably found the child sleep- 

 ing, covered him with leaves until he could bring his com- 

 rades to the feast ; and unwillingly himself furnished the 

 repast. 



THE PRAIKIE WOLF OR CAYOTA ( Canis latrans') is said by 

 Say to be more numerous than any other on this continent ; 

 its cry very closely resembles the barking of the domestic 

 dog ; and in appearance it so much resembles the Indian dog, 



