672 THE SHEEP. 
Attempts have been made to domesticate this valuable animal in Europe, but without 
real success. It will unite with the Angora Goat and produce a mixed breed, from which 
may be procured very soft and fine wool, that is even longer and more plentiful than that 
of the pure Cashmir Goat. As a commercial speculation, however, the plan does not 
seem to have met with much success. 
There are at least forty acknowledged varicties of the Goat, among which may be 
mentioned the BrErBura, or Ram Sacut, of India, a Goat which is remarkable for being 
destitute of beard and for the large dewlap which decorates the throat of the male. Its 
ears are very short, and its smooth fur is white, mingled with reddish-brown. The SYRIAN 
Goat is notable for the extreme length of its ears, which hang downwards, and when 
the animal raises its head nearly touch the shoulders. The Spanish Goar is destitute 
of horns, and the MARKHUR, or SNAKE-EATING Goat, of India and Thibet is celebrated for 
its large and exquisitely twisted horns, which are not dissimilar to those of the koodoo, 
only twisted in the opposite direction. 
From time immemorial, the SHEEP has been subjected to the ways of mankind, and has 
provided him with meat and clothing, as well as with many articles of domestic use. The 
whole carcass of the Sheep is as useful as that of the ox, and there is not a single portion 
of its body that is not converted to some beneficial purpose. The animal as we now 
possess it, and which has diverged into such innumerable varieties, is never found in a 
state of absolute wildness, and has evidently derived its origin from some hitherto undo- 
mesticated species. In the opinion of many naturalists, the mouflon may lay claim to 
the parentage of our domestic Sheep, but other writers have separated the mouflons from 
the Sheep, and placed them in a different genus. 
In many of its habits, especially in its rock-clmbing propensities, it bears a strong 
resemblance to the Goats, to which animals it is closely allied. Whenever the flock can 
have access to elevated spots, they may always be seen perched upon the highest and most 
precipitous spots, and seem to take a curious pleasure in exposing themselves to the risk 
of being dashed to pieces. Mz. Bell mentions that he has seen a Sheep and her lamb 
perched nearly half-way down one of the lofty rocks that border the south-western side 
of the Isle of Wight. He was at first alarmed by the apparent danger in which the frail 
little creature was placed, but was re-assured by the boatman, who looked on the 
circumstance as nothing uncommon. Some of these Sheep will boldly descend the cliff 
in search of herbage until they nearly reach the sea level, and are in no way dismayed at 
the prospect of re-ascending the terrible cliffs down which they have come. 
Although the Sheep is generally considered to be a timid animal, and is really so when 
forced into adverse circumstances and deprived of its wonted liberty, it is truly as bold 
an animal as can well be seen, and even in this country gives many proofs of its courage. 
If, for example, a traveller comes unexpectedly upon a flock of the little Sheep that range 
the Welsh mountains, they will not flee from his presence, but draw together into a compact 
body, and watch him with stern and unyielding gaze. Should he attempt to advance, he 
would be instantly assailed by the rams, which form the first line in such cases, and would 
fare but badly in the encounter, A dog, if it should happen to accompany the intruder, 
would probably be at once charged and driven from the spot. 
Even a single ram is no mean antagonist when he is thoroughly irritated, and his 
charge is really formidable. Sheep differ from Goats in their manner of fighting; the 
latter animals rear themselves on their hind legs, and then plunge sideways upon their 
adversary, while the former animals hurl themselves forward, and strike their opponent 
with the whole weight as well as impetus of the body. So terrible is the shock of a ram’s 
charge, that it has been known to prostrate a bull at the first blow. Nor is the Sheep 
only combative when irritated by opposition, or when danger threatens itself. A Sheep 
that had been led into a slaughter-house, has been known to turn fiercely upon the butcher 
as he was about to kill one of its companions, and to butt him severely in order to make 
him relinquish his grasp of its friend. 
The Sheep does not seem to be so intelligent as the Goat, and has a curious habit of - 
always following the individual who happens to be the leader, even though he should rush 
ca a 
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