Note 1882 — Chapter VI · PASTORAL LIFE.

From the relations of travellers it would appear that the method observed by the ancient Greeks in ridding themselves of the wolf is no longer known to their descendants, though the apprehension of their destructiveness and ferocity be as great as ever. Solon, it is well known set a price in his laws on the head of a wolf, which appears to have varied in different ages; (cf. Plut. Solon. § 23. Schol. Aristoph. Av. 369;) but could never have amounted to the sum of two talents. Whatever the ancient price may have been, however, it was paid by the magistrates; but “the peasant now produces the skins in the bazaar or market, and is recompensed by voluntary contributions.” Chandler, ii. p. 145. Close by a khan on mount Parnes, which is covered with pine trees, Sir George Wheler saw a very curious fountain, to which the wolves, bears, and wild boars commonly descend to drink. Id. p. 197.