50 THE AMERICAN WOLF. 



and tamed, being familiar and gentle towards the family, 

 when fed on bread and milk, but becoming ferocious when 

 fed on meat. Its general habits and disposition are com- 

 mon to all of the genus. 



In general appearance, and in the relative proportions of 

 the different parts of its body, this Wolf resembles the com- 

 mon Wolf, (C. Lupus). The color of the animal is its most 

 remarkable characteristic, as it is entirely black, without 

 the slightest admixture of any other color. 



It is not yet satisfactorily established that this wolf is pre- 

 cisely of the same species as the European black wolf, 

 whose scientific name is applied to it. Desmarest is much 

 inclined to think it a new species, and it is probable, that 

 a close comparison of the two, will show differences be- 

 tween them supporting his opinion. 



When the Aboriginal Americans first gave place to 

 European adventurers, and the forests which had flourish- 

 ed for ages undisturbed, began to fall before the unsparing 

 axe, the vicinity of the settler's lonely cabin resounded with 

 the nightly howlings of wolves, attracted by the refuse pro- 

 visions usually to be found there, or by a disposition to 

 prey upon the domestic animals. During winter, when food 

 was most difficult to be procured, packs of these famished 

 and ferocious creatures were ever at hand, to run down 

 and destroy any domestic animal fonnd wandering beyond 

 the enclosures, which their individual or combined efforts 

 could overcome, and the boldest house-dog could not ven- 

 ture far from the door of his master, without incurring the 

 risk of being killed and devoured. The common Wolf was 

 then to be found in considerable numbers throughout a 

 great extent, if not the whole of North America ; at pre- 

 sent, it is only known as a resident of the remote wooded 

 and mountainous districts, where man has not fixed his 

 abode, nor laid bare the bosom of the earth to the enlivening 

 radiance of the sun. 



