The Sheep. 



145 



success into onr English pastures, and the wool of the 

 hybrids, raised between the Merino Sheep and the South 

 Down Sheep, is thought nearly equal to that of Spain. 



In stormy weather, these animals generally hide 

 themselves in caves from the fury of the elements ; but 

 if such retreats are not to be found, they collect them- 

 selves together, and, during a fall of snow, place their 

 heads near each other, with their muzzles inclined to 

 the ground. In this situation they sometimes remain 

 till hunger compels them to gnaw each other's wool, 

 which forms into hard balls in the stomach and destroys 

 them. But in general they are sought out and extri- 

 cated soon after the storm has subsided. 



" The Sheep," Mr. Bell observes, " is one of the most 

 interesting of all animals as regards its historical rela- 

 tions with man. It was the subject of the first sacrifices, 

 and was used in its typical character as an offering of 

 atonement ; and the relation which existed between the 

 patriarchal shepherds and their flock was of so intimate 

 and even affectionate a nature as to have afforded the 

 subject of many beautiful passages in the Holy Scrip- 

 tures." 



