THE WOLF. 63 



Methods of taking wolves. 



Wolves continued to infest Ireland many cen- 

 turies after their extinction in England, but now 

 they are extirpated in that island ; and their num- 

 bers are considerably diminished in most of the 

 countries of Europe; a natural consequence of 

 the increase of population, and the extension of 

 agriculture. 



Hunting the wolf is a favourite diversion 

 among the great men in some countries ; and it 

 has been justly observed, this is a species of the 

 chace at which reason need not blush, nor huma- 

 nity drop a tear. To rid the world of such a 

 pest is certainly meritorious ; and for this pur- 

 pose, both force and stratagem are employed. 



One method is to take them in strong nets, into 

 which they are driven by the hunters, who sur- 

 round a large tract of land, and with drums, 

 horns, and other instruments, accompanied with 

 loud shouts from a large company, drive them 

 into the entrance of the nets, where they are en- 

 tangled and easily dispatched. 



In some sequestered parts they hang a piece 

 of carrion on the branch of a tree, having pre- 

 viously laid a train, by leaving, at proper inter- 

 vals, small pieces of carrion, which the wolves, 

 having an exquisite scent, can smell at a great 

 distance. The hunters then wait till the approach 

 of night, and with great circumspection approach 

 the place, where they often find two or three 

 wolves assembled, leaping up and endeavouring 

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