J8S LETTER XXXI. 



where they arc entangled and easily dispatched, 

 Sometimes they are taken in pit-falls, "being allured 

 by a bait. 



It is remarkable, that as soon as the wolf finds hhn.- 

 self ensnared, and sees no possibility of escape, his 

 courage entirely forsakes him, and he is for some time 

 so stupificd 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 coun- 

 tries of the old and the new continent. 



I have already mentioned that the wolf and the dog, 

 although extremely opposite in disposition and habits, 

 resemble each other in form; it is also proper to ob- 

 serve, that in size there is not much difference, the 

 wolf being somewhat taller than the largest grey- 

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

 able to carry away a sheep in his mouth. His breath 

 is very offensive, his bite difficult to cure, arid hit 

 aspect f e r o c i o a s . 



Having endeavoured to entertain yon with a dis- 

 play of the habits and disposition of the most destruc- 

 tive of all animals of prey, I shall now, my dear 

 Sir, call your attention to those of a creature which 

 has always been as famous for his artifices, as the wolf 

 has been for his cruelty. 



THE FOX 



is an animal well known in most countries, and com- 

 mon in every part of Great Britain. All the keepers 

 of poultry are well acquainted with his depredations, 

 of which at one time or another he gives them a spe- 

 cimen; for he is not less artful in attacking the hen- 

 roost, than the wolf is determined in assaulting the 

 sheep-fold. 



Hunting the fox is a healthful exercise, and consti- 

 tutes one of the favorite diversions of the gentlemen 

 of this kingdom. There is perhaps no part of the 

 world where it is pursued with equal ardour and in- 

 trepidity. Both our dogs and our horses are superior 



