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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE SHEPHERD’S DOG. [Illustration: THE SHEPHERD’S DOG. ] This useful animal, ever faithful to his charge, reigns at the head of the flock, where he is better heard, and more attended to, than even the Shepherd himself. In the few remaining large tracts of land which are appropriated to the feeding of Sheep, this dog is of the utmost importance. Large flocks range over extensive tracts of land, seemingly without controul: their only guide being the Shepherd, attended by his Dog, the constant companion of his toil. It receives his commands, and is always prompt to execute them; it is the watchful guardian of the flock, prevents straying, keeps them together, and conducts them from one pasture to another: it will not suffer strange sheep to mix with them, but carefully keeps off every intruder. In driving a number of sheep to any distant part, a well-trained Dog never fails to confine them to the road; he watches every avenue that leads from it, where he takes his stand, to prevent them from going out of the way. He pursues the stragglers if any escape, and forces them into order, without doing them the least injury. If the Shepherd be at any time absent he depends upon his Dog to keep them together; and as soon as he gives the well-known signal, this faithful creature conducts them to his master, though at a great distance. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ THE BULLDOG. [Illustration: THE BULLDOG. ]