222 NATURAL HISTORY. 



'which fit an animal for pursuing, overtaking, and con- 

 quering its prey. Notwithstanding all these, he most 

 frequently dies of hunger ; for he is the declared ene- 

 my of man. Being long proscribed, and a reward of- 

 fered for his head, he is obliged to fly from the habita- 

 tions of men, and to live in the forest. When pressed 

 with hunger, however, he braves danger, and comes to 

 attack those animals which are under the protection 

 of man, particularly such as lambs, sheep, or even 

 dogs themselves. If this excursion has succeeded, he 

 often returns to the charge, till having been wounded, 

 or closely pursued by the dogs or the shepherds he 

 hides himself by day in the thickest coverts, and for a 

 while, only ventures out at night. At last, however 

 when his necessities are very urgent, he boldlv faces 

 certain destruction. He attacks women and children; 

 sometimes ventures even to fall upon men, and becomes 

 furious by his continual agitations. 



The wolf, as well externally as internally, so nearly 

 resembles the dog, that he seems modelled upon the 

 same plan ; and yet he only presents us with the re- 

 verse of the image. If his form be similar, his nature 

 is, however, different ; and indeed they are so dissi- 

 milar in their dispositions, that no two animals can 

 have a more perfect antipathy to each other. A young 

 dog shudders at the sight of a wolf; a dog who is 

 stronger, and who knows his strength, bristles up at 

 the sight, testifies his animosity, attacks him with 

 courage, endeavours to put him to flight, and exerts 

 his utmost efforts to rid himself of so hateful a crea- 

 ture. They never meet without flying from, or fight- 

 ing with each other. If the wolf is stronger, he tears 

 and devours his prey. The dog on the contrary, is 

 generous, and contents himself with his victory. 



