Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 2, No. 12, May, 1851.Various
History
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 2, No. 12, May, 1851.
Various
American literature -- Periodicals; Civilization -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals
Captain Lyon mentions an instance of the sagacity of the fox: he had
caught and tamed one of these animals, which he kept on deck, in a
small hutch, with a scope of chain. Finding himself repeatedly drawn out
of his hutch by this, the sagacious little fellow, whenever he retreated
within his castle, took the chain in his mouth, and drew it so
completely in after him, that no one, who valued his fingers, would
endeavor to take hold of the end attached to the staple.
Mr. Lloyd mentions a curious contest that took place in the vicinity of
Uddeholm. A peasant had just got into bed, when his ears were assailed
by a tremendous uproar in his cattle-shed. On hearing this noise, he
jumped up, and, though almost in a state of nudity, rushed into the
building to see what was the matter: here he found an immense wolf,
which he gallantly seized by the ears, and called out most lustily for
assistance. His wife--the gallant Trulla--came to his aid, armed with a
hatchet, with which she severely wounded the wolf's head; but it was not
until she had driven the handle of the hatchet down the animal's throat,
that she succeeded in dispatching him. During the conflict, the man's
hands and wrists were bitten through and through; and, when seen by Mr.
Lloyd, the wounds were not healed.
Like dogs, wolves are capable of strong attachment; but such instances
are comparatively rare: the most striking, perhaps, was that recorded by
M. Frederick Cuvier, as having come under his notice at the Ménagerie du
Roi at Paris. The wolf in question was brought up as a young dog, became
familiar with persons he was in the habit of seeing, and, in particular,
followed his master every where, evincing chagrin at his absence,
obeying his voice, and showing a degree of submission scarcely
differing, in any respect, from that of the most thoroughly-domesticated
dog. His master, being obliged to be absent for a time, presented his
pet to the menagerie, where he was confined in a den. Here he became
disconsolate, pined, and would scarcely take food; at length, he was
reconciled to his new situation, recovered his health, became attached
to his keepers, and appeared to have forgotten "auld lang syne," when,
after the lapse of eighteen months, his old master returned. At the
first sound of his voice--that well-known, much-loved voice--the wolf,
which had not perceived him in a crowd of persons, exhibited the most
lively joy, and, being set at liberty, lavished upon him the most
affectionate caresses, just as the most attached dog would have done.
With some difficulty, he was enticed to his den. But a second separation
was followed by similar demonstrations of sorrow to the former; which,
however, again yielded to time. Three years passed away, and the wolf
was living happily with a dog which had been placed with him, when his
master again appeared--and again the long-lost, but well-remembered
voice, was instantly replied to by the most impatient cries, redoubled
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account