On Tunis Sheep, 221 
der part of the leg. Cattle in the cleft; which when dis- 
eased, is lacerated often by a hair rope drawn between 
the clefts; when gentler means would effect the purpose. 
6. A Tunis tup couples with a ewe of other breeds 
with more certainty of effect, than a tup of the common 
species, with a Tunis ewe. The broad tail is the im- 
pediment. ‘This must be managed by an adroit pander. 
I have known frequent failures in projected crosses, ow- 
ing to inattention in this particular. But the Tunis tup 
finds no difficulty with a ewe of his own race. However 
whimsical it may appear, the colour of the tongue of 
any breed, is said to be important in the selection of a 
tup. The third georgick of Virgil records the fact ; 
which I have seen verified in several instances. I sive 
Dryden’s translation of the passage. 
** Even tho’ a snowy ram thou shalt behold, 
Prefer him not in haste, for husband to thy fold, 
But search his mouth ; and if a swarthy tongue 
Is underneath his humid palate hung, 
Reject him ; lest he darken all thy flock ; 
And substitute another from thy stock.” 
If this should seem to some improbable, it will be no 
difficult task for the incredulous, to avoid the black 
tongue ;—lest, per chance, the denunciation of Virgil 
may turn out well founded. 
7. The ¢ail is the true test of purity of blood; and 
horns are a bad symptom ; especially if large. The tufts 
on the thighs, and crest, or forelock, are also marks of 
blood. 
Those who find this race preferable, under all its 
circumstances, must balance advantages and compara- 
tive defects. It is, like the Merino, a peculiar genus and 
race of sheep. Those who value them must reconcile 
themselves to coloured wool; though the greatest pro- 
