420 MODERN FARRIER, 



BREEDING OF SHEEP. 



17. Nature of Sheep. 



The sheep, though in most countries under the 

 protection and control of man, is not that stupid 

 and contemptible animal that has been represented. 

 Amidst those numerous flocks which range without 

 control on extensive mountains, where they seldom 

 depend upon the aid of the shepherd, it will be 

 found to assume a very different character : in those 

 situations, a ram or a wedder will boldly attack a 

 single dog, and often come off victorious ; but when 

 the danger is more alarming, they have recourse to 

 the collected strength of the whole flock. On such 

 occasions they draw up into a compact body, placing 

 the young and the females in the centre ; while the 

 males take the foremost ranks, keeping close by 

 each other. Thus an armed front is presented to 

 all quarters, and cannot easily be attacked without 

 danger or destruction to the assailant. In this 

 manner they wait with firmness the approach of the 

 enemy ; nor does their courage fail them in the mo- 

 ment of attack : for when the aggressor advances 

 within a few yards of the line, the rams dart upon 

 him with such impetuosity, as to lay him dead at 

 their feet, unless he save himself by flight. Against 

 the attacks of single dogs or foxes, when in this 

 situation, they are perfectly secure. A ram, regard- 

 less of danger, will sometimes engage a bull ; and, 

 as his forehead is much harder than that of any 

 other animal, he seldom fails to conquer : for the 

 bull, by lowering his head, receives the stroke of 

 the ram between his eyes, which usually brings him 

 to the ground. 



