I 4 8 THOSE OTHER ANIMALS. 



from the contemplation of a flock of sheep, and this simply 

 from the want of variety. It is true that Phyllis and 

 Daphne, and many other maidens, have taken to the 

 tending of sheep ; but as it is palpable that the attractions 

 of the calling were the shepherds and not the sheep, this 

 proves nothing. 



To be able to obtain a fair idea of the stupidity of sheep 

 it is necessary to see them, not when engaged in tranquil 

 mastication, but while driven upon a high road. The 

 manner in which they persist in placing themselves under 

 the wheels of any passing waggon or cart is remarkable, 

 and would seem to show that even the instinct of self- 

 preservation, which is so marked in their wild state, is 

 altogether lost in the domestic animal. Singularly enough, 

 they are addicted to the childish pastime of follow-my- 

 leader, and wherever one goes the rest will follow, even 

 if it be in a jump over a cliff to certain destruction. It has 

 been urged in favour of sheep that they are affectionate 

 mothers, and will defend their offspring against attack on 

 the part of dogs. This, however, can scarcely be con- 

 sidered a fair reason for placing them high in the scale of 

 animals, as some insects, such as ants and bees, will defend 

 their young even to the death ; while as to the affection 

 of the sheep, any one who has watched it suckling its 

 lamb must have been struck at the absolute indifference 

 of its attitude and its evident mute protest against the pro- 

 ceeding. There are many other points which might in an 

 exhaustive essay upon the sheep be touched on, for example 

 the ridiculous feebleness of its attempt to be a formidable 

 and dangerous assailant, as expressed by short stamps of 

 the feet, a pretence which fails to impose upon any one. 



