*v^ 



Slll:;i:i/.— 6>r/.y 'Aries. 



Thk vni'ictics of the Sheep arc even more luiinerous than tliose of the Goat, 

 and as tlie habits of tliesc creatnres are so well known, we will confine onrsclves 

 to a few of the best marked and most important herds, some of whicli are valuable 

 for their wool and others for their flesh. 



The Southdown alibrds a good example of the short-wooUed breed of domestic 

 Sheep, and is valuable not only for the wool, but for the delicacy of the flesh. 

 This breed derives its name from the extensive Southern Dowiis ; a range of grass- 

 clad chalk hills whicli pass through Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. These downs are 

 covered with a short, sweet herbage, which is of great service in giving to the 

 flesh of the animal its peculiarly delicate flavour. IMultitudes of tiny snails are 

 found upon almost every foot of the down-turf, and arc thought by many fiu'mers 

 to be very eflicacious in fattening and nourishing the animal. 



2:1 



