THE SHEEP. 



OF this animal there are several varieties, which is sup- 

 posed to be owing to the effect of the various climates in 

 which they exist. They are found in a wild state, living, 

 ;is it were, in families upon the mountains of Asia, Africa, 

 and Europe ; and in this country they inhabit the Rocky 

 Mountains. This gentle animal, in respect to utility, may 

 be deservedly ranked with the horse and the ox, and, in- 

 deed, is scarcely less conducive to the comfort of mankind 

 than are both of those valuable quadrupeds. In some re- 

 spects this inestimable creature may be said to excel both ; 

 for from it we derive not only a very considerable portion 

 of our aliment, but also the most essential part of our 

 clothing. 



The Sheep is, in a peculiar manner, the creature of man ; 

 to him it in a measure owes its protection, and to his neces- 

 sities it amply contributes. On man, indeed, its existence 

 depends : for without his fostering care, and the interest he 

 has in its preservation, its numerous enemies would, prob- 

 ably, shortly exterminate the race. Though singularly 

 inoffensive, it does not, however, appear so stupid and 

 inanimate as represented by Buffon, who described it as 

 ** destitute of every art of self-preservation." On moun- 

 tains, and in extensive sheep-walks, where numerous flocks 

 browse together, the Sheep exhibits a character quite the 

 reverse, and a ram, or sometimes a wether, or an ewe has 

 been seen to attack a dog, and to come off victorious. 



