414 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
In a dedicatory epistle written in Latin in a very pedantic 
style, and replete with fulsome praise of the Dean of Ely, to 
whom it was dedicated, the translator informs us that Dr. Kay’s 
work, which he calls “an epitome concerning British dogs,” was 
originally written (several years before it was printed) for the 
information of Gesner, who was engaged at that time in the 
preparation of his ‘ Historia Animalium,’ which was published 
in 1551. He, Fleming, being, as he says, delighted with the 
novelty of its appearance, conceived the idea of translating it 
into English, and this we believe is the only translation extant. 
Whether it be an accurate one or not (the writer himself terms 
it “‘a free interpretation”) we need not here enquire. It will 
suffice if we give a single extract for the benefit of those who 
may be unacquainted with the work, and who may be curious to 
judge of its style and the nature of the information imparted. 
Treating of the sheep-dog, the translator says :— 
“Our shepherdes dogge is not huge vaste and bigge, but of an 
indifferent stature and growth, because it hath not to deale with the 
bloudthyrsty wolf, sythence there be none in England, which happy and 
fortunate benefite is to be ascribed to the puisaunt Prince Hdgar, who to 
th’intent ye whole countrey myght be evacuated and quite clered from 
wolfes, charged and commaunded the welshmen (who were pestered with 
these butcherly beastes above measure) to paye him yearely tribute which 
was (note the wisedome of the King) three hundred wolfes. Some there be 
which write that Ludwall, Prince of Wales, paide yeerly to King Edgar 
three hundred wolues in the name of an exaction (as we have sayd before). 
And by the meanes hereof, within the compasse and tearme of foure yeares 
none of those noysome and pestilent beastes were left in the coastes of 
England and Wales. This Edgar wore the crowne royall, and bare the 
scepter imperiale of this kingdome about the yeere of our Lorde nyne hundred 
fifty-nyne. Synce which time we reede that no wolfe hath been seene in 
England, bred within the bounds and borders of this countrey, mary there 
have bene divers brought over from beyonde the seas, for greedynesse of 
gaine and to make money for gasing and gaping, staring and standing to 
see them, being a straunge beast, rare, and seldom seene in England.” 
It need scarcely be remarked that the statement to the effect 
that there have been no native wolves killed in England since 
Edgar’s time is not only opposed to the fact, but there is 
abundant evidence to show that they existed in this country for 
several centuries afterwards. See ‘The Zoologist’ for 1878, 
p. 464. 
YP A 
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