108 TUICHOLOGIA MAMMALH'M: 



its root by the slightest force. Against this opinion it has been urged, that the hair of the 

 head has been known to suddenly become grey, [colorless;] which (they say) is proof 

 that it still retains a secretion from its proper vessels. It is replied, that this sudden 

 change (or, more properly speaking, loss) of color is due to chemical action. But this 

 latter position is, in its turn, met by the rejoinder that the grey [white] color commences, 

 in general, at the point [?] of the hair; and, also, that sometimes it does not act on all the 

 hairs simultaneously, which it ought to do if it were a chemical change. 



These are all very curious questions ; but it is believed that we have not, at present, 

 sufficient knowledge of the modus operandi to discuss them to any advantage. 



However, one thing is certain, that in regard to pile generally, if not universally, there 

 is a decidence, which is sometimes gradual, and at oihers periodical. The former may be 

 remarked in the slow and constant manner in which the hair of our heads falls out and is 

 renewed; and is, most probably, due to a general law of our nature causing production, 

 perfection, decay, and renewal of tissues. The latter appears to be a wise provision to 

 secure the animal who depends upon his natural clothing, from suffering from the changes 

 of seasons. Most animals, whose covering is hair, renew their coats at least once a year ; 

 in the Horse it is shed twice, viz : in the spring and the autumn, as may be observed in 

 his wild state; when domesticated and stabled, it is transformed somewhat into a gradual 

 decidence. In the Deer tribe there is a regular period; less so in the Ox, and least of 

 all in the Dog. 



Goldsmith tells us, that when the hair of the Reindeer drops, it is not from the root, as 

 in other quadrupeds, but that it seems to be broken short near the bottom. (Nat. Hist, of 

 Man, &c., 319.) We have had no means of examining this phenomenon. 



For this natural falling of the wool in the case of Sheep, shearing has been substituted. 

 But there are some notable cases which would appear to be exceptions to the law. One 

 of these, namely, a Merino of Lord Western, is noticed in the English books, where the 

 fleece was retained, without the slightest disposition to separate from the animal, for three 

 years. (See Lib. of Usf. Know., p. 63.) And we have,- in our cabinet, a specimen of 

 Merino wool, presented by Mr. Aaron Clements, of this city, which was the first shearing 

 of a three years' old Merino ram, and which is 18 inches long without being stretched. 

 (See upon this point, Luccock on Sheep, p. 118.) 



OF THE RESTORATION OF PlLE, THAT HAS BEEN DETERIORATED, TO ITS ORIGINAL 



INTEGRITY. Prichard relates, that the wild hogs of "the new world, the descendants of 

 the animals left there by Europeans, bear a resemblance to the Wild Boar of France 

 the skin being covered with thick fur, [wool,] often somewhat crisp, beneath which, in 

 some individuals, is a species of wool.* 



If these animals are so much like the Wild Boar of France, why may they not have 

 descended from a wild species of America? 



~ >: There may be varieties, but there is butoe species of wool. 



