LETTER XXXI. 



nishcs fatal instances, we cannot but think that thsc 

 animals are somewhat too numerous. 



I am, 



Dear Sir, &c. 



LETTER XXXI. 



" By wintry famine rou.s'd, from .ill the track 

 Of horrid mountains, which the shining Alps 

 And weary Appenines and Pyrenees, 

 Branch out stupendous into distant lands; 

 Cruel as death and hungry as the grave, 

 Burning for blood ! honey, and gaunt and grim, 

 Assembling wolves in raging troops descend." 



THOMSON. 

 DEAR SIR, 



Jr ROM contemplating the varied utility of the dog, 

 his instinctive sagacity, his firm attachment and pleas- 

 ing qualities, which endear him to man, I must now 

 call your attention to an animal, which, in its exterior 

 form and internal structure, exactly resembles the ca- 

 nine race, but possesses none of its agreeable disposi- 

 tions, or useful propensities. 



THE WOLF 



has, in all ages, been much detested, and is univer- 

 sally considered as the most savage enemy of mankind 

 that exists in the animal creation. 



The appetite of the wolf is excessively voracious. 

 Although naturally somewhat timid, it becomes, when 

 pressed with hunger, courageous from necessity, and 

 braves every danger. 



In countries where wolves are numerous, whole 

 droves come down from the mountains, or out of the 

 woods, and join in the work of general devastation. 

 They attack the sheep-f Ads, enter the villages, and car- 

 ry oft' sheep, lambs, hogs, calves, and even dogs; for at 

 such times every kind of animal food is equally agree- 

 able. The horse and the ox, the only tame animals 

 that can make any resistance against these destroyers, 



