Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 September 1891 — The Wolves of France. [ARTICLE]

The Wolves of France.

J. J. Rousseau attributed any natural superiority that England possessed over France to her freedom from wolves. In 1889, 515 wolves were killed in France, and the bounties paid for their destruction amounted to 36,000 francs, or nearly 70 francs per head. The reward varies, following the age, the sex and the “antecedents” of the wolf. The ordinary sum is 40 francs; if a she wolf in young, 150 francs; for a wolf that has attacked a human being, 200 francs. Most wolves were killed —B2 and 76—in the departments of the Dordogne and -Charente. Under the ancient regime the Lieutenant for the destruction of wolves was an important functionary. To-day he is the largest landed proprietor in the forest district chosen by the Prefect, and who binds himself to keep a pack of wolf-hounds, etc., to hunt down the wolves in December and March. In return the proprietor is allowed two days’ free shooting per month in the Government forests. The wags say the Lieutenants are the natural friends of the wolves, in order to uphold their sporting rights. It is difficult to run to earth an old wolf, because the animal can run its 100 miles at a pinch in a single night. The Prince de Joinville has the best pack of wolf-hounds in France. Any one who captures a wolf, no matter by what means, has only to bring the animal’s ears and right forepaw to the local mayoralty to receive the reward. The ears are then slit to prevent a second presentation and the paw is nailed against the office wall and registered.—Paris Letter to Pittsburg Press.