WOLF. 
181 
dead animals brought to him from a distance by 
the wind. He devours the most putrid carcases, 
though he prefers the living to the dead ; and, ac- 
cording to Buffon, is so fond of human flesh that 
were he stronger he would, perhaps^ eat no other. 
It is for this reason he follows armies to the field 
of battle, and disinters the slain ; when once accus- 
tomed to this food, he prefers it to all others, and 
devotirs it with insatiable avidity. 
Hunting the wolf is a favourite diversion in some 
parts of Europe, and is followed by a number of 
people, who assemble together, provided with dogs, 
and trace otit the wolf by the print of his feet i the 
age is guessed by the mark he leaves on the ground ; 
for the older the wolf the larger the track. Be- 
sides the other dogs, it is necessary to have a good 
blood-hound to start the wolf ; and when he falls 
upon the scent, he must be encouraged by every 
art the huntsman can use, or his natural aversion 
to the animal will get the better of his duty, and 
he will refuse to proceed. When the wolf is raised, 
the gre-hounds are let loose in pairs. The first 
pair is sent after him in the beginning, seconded 
by a man on horseback ; the second about half a 
mile further ; and the third pair when the rest of 
the dogs come up with, and begin to bait him. 
Notwithstanding the united efforts of the dogs, he 
often maintains his ground against them for a corn 
siderable time, and makes some of the boldest repent 
the attack. At length, however, his strength fails 
him, he is reduced to the last extremity, and the’ 
