Sheep 149 



line, possibly also smoother. In the female cylindrical and rugose, with 

 an outward direction, so as to torm a regular curve with the convexity in 

 front. 



The small skull described as Boothcrium bombifroiis is, I think, rightly 

 identified by Mr. Boyd Dawkins as indicating the female of the animal of 

 which the male is represented by the skull subsequently named B. cavifi-ons. 

 In the latter the centre ot the forehead is deeply excavated and the bases 

 cjt the horn-cores are nearly smooth, but (judging from the cast in the 

 British Museum) it appears that these features are largely due to injury 

 or imperfection, as may also be the relations of the frontal plane to that of 

 the sockets of the eyes. 



As regards the curvature of the horns, this species would seem to be 

 less specialised than the last, thereby suggesting an American origin for 

 the genus. 



Distribution. — North America during the Plistocene period ; the skull 

 described as Bodthertu»i bombifrons was obtained from Kentucky, and the 

 one named B. cavifrons from Arkansas. 



III. The Sheep — Genus Ovis 



Ow-f, Linn. Svst. Nat. ed. 12, vol. i. p. 97 (1766). 



Characters. — Size medium or small ; build of moderate stoutness, with 

 the limbs rather long and slender ; neck of moderate depth and length, 

 and the head carried well above the level of the back ; no dewlap. 

 Muzzle narrow, pointed, and covered with short fine hair, save for a 

 small naked area immediately above and between the nostrils ; glands 

 invariably present between the hoofs of both feet, and frequently also on 

 the face below the eyes ; two teats in the female ; no beard or strong 

 odour in the males ; ears moderate, upright, pointed, and well haired ; 

 tail in all wild species except one short and pointed ; main hoofs 



