These animals are natives of almost all the temperate and cold countries
of the globe; and were formerly so numerous in this island, that King
Edgar, about a thousand years ago, changed the punishments for some
offences, into a demand of a certain number of Wolves’ tongues from each
criminal; and once converted a heavy and oppressive tax on one of the
Welsh princes, into a yearly tribute of three hundred Wolves’ heads.
Some hundred years after, these animals increased to such a degree, that
great rewards were given for destroying them.
[Illustration:
THE WOLF.
]
The Wolf is very savage indeed when it is hungry. It then braves every
danger, and even attacks those animals that are protected by man. Man
himself, upon these occasions, frequently falls a victim to its power;
and it is said, that when Wolves have once tasted human blood, they
always give it the preference. The Wolf has great strength, especially
in the muscles of his neck and jaw: he can carry a sheep in his mouth,
and easily run off with it in that manner. His bite is cruel and deadly,
and keener as it meets with no opposition: but when opposed, he is
cautious and careful, and seldom fights but from necessity. Sometimes
whole droves of them join in the cruel work of destruction.
------------------------------------------------------------------------