DOMESTIC SHEEP 



817 



in each, in some forms only the males are provided with horns, while in other breeds, 

 like the Southdown, they are absent in both sexes. On the other hand, there is a ten- 

 dency among some breeds to produce additional pairs of horns, so that we may have 

 four-horned, and even eight-horned sheep. When there is more than one pair of horns, 

 they arise from a peculiar, elevated crest on the frontal bones. In the Wallachian 

 breed the horns of the rams, as Mr. Youatt remarks, spring almost perpendicularly from 



THE BLACK-HEADED SHEEP. 



(One-twelfth natural size.) 



the frontal bone, and then take a beautiful spiral form; in the ewes they protrude 

 nearly at right angles from the head, and then become twisted in a singular manner. 

 One of the most remarkable types of domestic sheep is characterized 

 by the tail being flattened, and either of great length or abnormally 

 shortened. It has been considered that these sheep indicated a dis- 

 tinct aboriginal form, but against this view may be quoted Mr. Darwin's observa- 

 52 



Flat-Tailed 

 Sheep 



