ods, and a crust is
formed on the surface, the deer are unable to travel any distance, the
snow not being sufficiently hard to bear their weight. Consequently,
great numbers of them are destroyed by their more nimble adversaries,
who from their lighter make and rounder-shaped feet, are able to run on
the top of the crust, which gives the deer but little chance of escape.

The wolves commonly hunt in packs, and generally at night. The deer,
when pursued, always make straight for the water, which, if they
succeed in reaching it, saves them for that time.

When the wolves reach the shore and find their prey gone, they utter
the most diabolical yells. One night I was awakened by a pack of these
rascals, who were in chase of a deer. They ran through my wood-yard
within sixty feet of the house in full chorus. I think I never heard in
the stillness of the night a more wild and unearthly din.

For some years, till the country became more settled, I was obliged to
shut up my sheep at night for fear of these prowling wretches. The
first flock I ever had were all killed by these thieves. One night I
was awakened by my dog barking furiously, and from the manner in which
he kept rushing against the door I was sure some wild animals were
about the premises. At first I thought it was useless to get up; for
the night was dark, and I knew the sheep were housed. However, the
increased fury of my dog Grouse, who seemed intent on getting into the
house, as if he were frightened, obliged me to dress and turn out. On
my opening the door, Grouse rushed in looking dreadfully scared, so
with a lantern in one hand and a gun in the other, I marched towards
the sheep-pen, the door of which not having been securely fastened by
my lad, I found open, and six sheep out, and for these I now commenced
a cautious search.

About twenty yards from the pen, I found one of my best sheep lying on
the grass with his throat cut very scientifically just behind the ear.
A few paces further on, I found another, and so on, till five were
forthcoming. The sixth I did not get till the morning, which was the
only one that escaped the teeth of the marauders. It seems that my
appearance with the light drove the wolves from their prey.

Luckily for me, the weather was cold, my sheep fat, and well-butchered,
as far as bleeding was concerned, so that I was no great loser, except
by having a rather larger supply of mutton at one time than was quite
convenient for the h