Several plans have been devised by the inhabitants for the destruction of these animals.  That most commonly resorted to, and which is considered the least troublesome and the most efficacious, is poison.  The best and surest for that purpose is strychnine, one grain of which, if genuine, will kill the largest wolf in Canada.  I have used this poison myself, when baiting for foxes.  The properest method in the winter-season, is to take a piece of hog’s-lard, about the size of a walnut, make a hole in the centre, and insert it carefully with a quill or the point of a small knife, taking care not to spill any on the outside, then to fill up the puncture with some fresh lard.

If you have heard, or have reason to know, that wolves are in the vicinity, your best way is to bait with pieces of carrion of any description.  This must be done at some distance from the clearing, or you will be sure to lose your own dogs, or kill those of your neighbours, when you come to lay your poison, which you need not do till you see some of your bait taken, and observe their fresh tracks.

I know a gentleman who had lost an ox, which he had drawn away some distance into the Bush.  In a few days, finding the wolves had paid their respects to the carcass, he laid out several poison-balls, and actually killed six of them before the carcass was eaten.  The value of the wolves, including their skins and the bounty-money, amounted to forty-four dollars, a nice little sum for a few hours’ trouble, not to speak of the satisfaction of having contributed to extirpate this devouring crew.  I must, however, caution the uninitiated to be very careful in the use of this deadly poison:  indeed it should only be used by the most experienced trappers, and then at some distance from the settlement.

The price of the wolf-skin varies from 5 shillings to 7 shillings, 6 pence, Halifax currency, according to size and quality:  they are always in good demand for sleigh-robes.* Those made of this species of fur are considered the most elegant and distingue.

[* Sleigh-robes are commonly made of bear or buffalo skins dressed with the hair on.  The most fashionable are racoon or wolf.  Several of these skins are sewn together, with the tails of the animals stitched to the bottom of the robe.  The inside lining is generally scarlet or purple cloth.  A well equipped sleigh should have two robes for each seat, one of which should cover the cushions, and fall gracefully over the back of the seat, whilst the other is drawn over the passengers, and wraps them securely from the cold.]

A perilous adventure once befel my brother-in-law, James.  He was a bold brave boy, of ten years old at the time, and was on his return home with a pair of oxen, with which he had been assisting a neighbour residing about six miles from his father’s house.  His road lay by the river shore, which was dreary enough at the fall of the year and in the evening hour:  but the child was fearless, and saw the deepening shades sink into night without experiencing anything like apprehension.