( 361 ) 



THE COMMON SHEEP*. 



SHEEP, like most other ruminating animals, are 

 gregarious, or fond of associating together in large 

 flocks. Each of these flocks is headed by a leader, 

 which is usually one of the strongest and most 

 powerful of their number. They are not re- 

 markable either for activity or sprightlines in their 

 motions; but, when grazing over an extensive 

 range of open country, where they partake, in 

 some measure, of the nature of wild animals, they 

 are at all times extremely vigilant in guarding 

 against danger. A powerful thump of the foot 

 upon the ground, from any one of them, immedi- 

 ately calls the attention of the rest towards the 

 object of alarm. If this approaches their station, 

 the leader, by a loud hiss or whistle, twice or thrice 

 repeated, indicates his fears, and they all scamper 

 off to some distance. When out of the reach of 

 immediate danger, they halt, face about, and the 

 leader advances some paces in front of the flock, 

 to reconnoitre. If the suspected foe exhibits no 

 evil inclination, by continuing to approach, they 



* Oms aries. Linn^m. Le Belier.Bujfon. 

 See the Synopsis, p. 59, No. 40. 



proceed 



