ABSTRACT
IN the Dovrefjell, the chain which separates the kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, live white wolves that rove together in herds like cattle, some through the valleys, some among the mountains; their food consists of such harmless creatures as mice and moles. 1 Then there are the common wolves of the forests that prey with remarkable audacity on the herds and flocks of those who dwell in the area, that is to say, their cows, calves, goats, sheep, etc. 2 Since they reduce the inhabitants to penury, the community arrange to hunt them down at an appointed place, day, and time, and to destroy them with nets, dogs, and all the other stratagems at their disposal. They are not so much concerned to get hold of the mature wolves as to kill the young ones, to prevent them growing to full size. 3 Although some of the cubs that have been caught like this appear to become tame when they are kept chained up, they still retain a memory of their savage origin and will prey on all other creatures, including poultry. However, a pup which results from crossing these tamed specimens with a household bitch becomes implacably hostile to every other kind of wolf that attacks the flocks. 4 5 There is also a species known as the jackal, with a longer body but shorter legs than the rest. It leaps swiftly, lives by hunting, is harmless to man, and changes its coat, though not its colour, being shaggy during the winter months but bald in the summer. 5
