226 RUM1NANTIA. 



O, Ammon Argalis, or Siberian Sheep. The ARGALI. 



This is one of the varieties of wild sheep, native to Siberia, 

 and ranging over the mountains of Asia, a strong, muscular, and 

 active animal, about as large as a small fallow deer, and having 

 thick, roughly ringed horns. (Plate VII. fig. 12.) In summer, 

 its hair is smooth, and of yellowish gray color ; but in winter, 

 it becomes thick, harsh and reddish ; the muzzle, throat and under 

 parts, continuing white at all seasons. The whole form of this 

 animal appears better adapted for agility than that of the com- 

 mon sheep. 



O. Canadensis. The TAYE, or BFG HORN SHEEP, of Canada. 



This is identical with the O. Montanus, of Geoffrey, and a 

 variety is the O. California, of Douglas, which Dr. Gray says is 

 probably the same as the Ammon, of Siberia. 



O. Musimon, or Musmon. The MOUFFLON, of Cyprus, Can- 

 dia, and Corsica. (Plate VII. fig. 10.) 



This differs from the Argali, only in being rather smaller, 

 and in me horns being very small, .^r altogether absent in the 

 female. Like the Argali, it makes its home upon the mountains. 

 It has been supposed that the primitive stock may be traced either 

 to this, or the preceding species, the hair of both species possess 

 ing the essential character of wool, an imbricating scaly sur. 

 face, which gives to the covering of the domestic breeds the re- 

 mzrkable felting property upon which its utility so much depends. 



O- polycerata. (Gr. no ^vy, polus, many ; xt ^aj, kcras, horn.) 

 The MANY-HORNED SHEEP. 



This species found in Iceland and the most northern parts of 

 the Russian dominions, resembles the common sheep in its body 

 and tail, but has three, four, five or more horns. (See Plate VII. 

 fig. 13.) The wool is long, smooth, hairy, and of a dark brown 

 color. Under its outer coat, is a fine, short and soft kind of 

 wool, or fur. 



O. laticauda. (Lat. latus, broad ; ciuda, tail.) The BROAD- 

 TAILED SHEEP, is common in Tartary, Arabia, Persia, Barbary, 

 Syria and Egypt. This sheep is chiefly noted for its large, 

 heavy tail, often so loaded with fat as to weigh from ten to twelve 

 pounds, and according to some, double that weight, and a foot 

 broad ; sometimes it is necessary to support it artificially. The 

 upper part is covered with wool, but it is bare underneath, and 

 the fat, of which it consists, is regarded as a great delicacy. 



O. strepsiceros. (Gr. OT^E CJPW, strepho, to twist ; xeyug, keras, 

 horn.) THE CRETAN SHEEP. 



This is chiefly found in the Island of Crete, but is kppt in 

 several parts of Europe on account of its singular appearance ; 



