120 The Natural History 



hind them, on which the Wolves feed, this being what induces 

 them to follow the Indians after that manner. Formerly there 

 was a Reward (in this Province) for all those that kilFd them, 

 which made the Indians so active, that they brought in such 

 vast quantities of their Heads, that in a short time it became 

 too burthensome to the Country, so that it is now laid quite 

 aside, and the Indians will not kill them. The Planters 

 formerly made Holes or Pits in the Earth to take them in, 

 where they killed great ^N^umbers, but their dogs being led to 

 those Places by the Scent of the Baits that were laid for the 

 Wolves, most of them were destroyed, so that this method is 

 entirely neglected, and they are become as numerous as ever, 

 being as great Breeders as our Dogs and Bitches. They are 

 but small, many being no bigger than midling Dogs, they are 

 very crafty, but fearful Creatures, for they seldom or never 

 attack or kill either Poles or Calves, but are very destructive 

 to Sheep, if they are not carefully put up in their Penfolds at 

 Night, and especially if it prove stormy Weather, at which 

 time they will come about the Planters Houses, and strive to 

 devour their Sheep, but in good Weather they never dare 

 appear so near their Dwellings, which if they had done, the 

 Dogs would soon chase them away, so sensible and crafty are 

 they to come when the Dogs are all under some Cover to pro- 

 tect them from the violence of the Weather, and they gener- 

 ally kill all before they begin to eat, as many have testified. 

 It is the Opinion of the most judicious Hunters in these 

 Parts, that if they did not die for Hunger, or some secret un- 

 known way, which they have for destroying one another, they 

 would be the most, numerous Beasts in America, being such 

 prodigious Breeders. Their Skins drest to Parclmu'iit make 

 the best Drum Heads, and if Tau'd, good Shoes for Snmmcr 



Coiiulrios 



