40 THE WOLF, 
minor varieties in form and colour, it is very possible that the so called 
species may be nothing more than very distinctly marked varieties. These 
voracious and dangerous animals are found in almost every quarter of the 
globe ; whether the country which they infest be heated by the beams of the 
tropical sun or frozen by the lengthened winter of the northern regions. 
Mountain and plain, forest and field, jungle and prairie, are equally infested 
with Wolves, which possess the power of finding nourishment for their united 
bands in localities where even a single predacious animal might be perplexed 
to gain a livelihood. 
The colour of the common WOLF is grey, mingled with a slight tinting of 
fawn, and diversified with many black hairs that are interspersed among the 
lighter coloured fur. In the older animals the grey appears to predominate 
over the fawn, while the fur of the younger Wolves is of a warmer fawn tint. 
The under parts of the 
animal, the lower jaw, and, 
the edge of the upper lip 
are nearly white, while the 
interior facing of the limbs 
is of a grey tint. Between 
the ears the head is almost 
entirely grey, and without 
the mixture of black hairs, 
which is found in greatest 
profusion along the line of 
the spine. 
When hungry—and the 
Wolf is almost always 
hungry—it is a bold and 
dangerous animal, daring 
almost all things to reach 
; its prey, and venturing to 
WOLF. —(Canis lupus.) attack large and powerful 
animals,—such as the buf- 
falo, the elk, or the wild horse. Sometimes it has been known to oppose 
itself to other carnivora, and to attack so unpromising a foe as the bear. 
It is by no means nice in its palate, and will eat almost any living animal 
—from human beings down to frogs, lizards, and insects. Moreover, it is a 
sad cannibal, and is thought by several travellers who have noted its habits 
to be especially partial to the flesh of its own kind. A weak, sickly, or 
wounded Wolf is sure to fall under the cruel teeth of its companions; who 
are said to be so fearfully ravenous that if one of their companions should 
chance to besmear himself with the blood of the prey which has just been 
hunted down, he is instantly attacked and devoured by the remainder of 
the pack. 
iit ther hunting expeditions the Wolves usually unite in bands, larger or 
smaller in number, according to circumstances, and acting simultaneously 
for a settled purpose, If they are on the trail of a flying animal, the foot- 
steps of their prey are followed up by one or two of the Wolves, while the 
remainder of the band take up their positions to the right and left of the 
leaders, so as to intercept the quarry if it should attempt to turn from its 
course. Woe be to any animal that is unlucky enough to be chased by a pack 
of Wolves. No matter how swift it may be, it will most surely be overtaken 
at last by the long slouching, tireless gallop of the Wolves; and no matter 
what may be its strength, it must at last fail under the repeated and constant 
attacks of the sharp teeth, 
