THE MUFFLOX. 137 



and is to be found only in the highest and most secluded 

 woods, where, from its great shyness and fleetness, it is 

 difficult to approach within shot. The male is called 

 Murvoni and the female Murva, but the usual name 

 of these animals is " Mufflon." The form of the ears, 

 head, legs, and hoof, identfies the mufflon with the sheep, 

 although in size it is rather larger, and the body is 

 clothed with hair instead of wool. The horns are hol- 

 low, and exactly similar to those of the ram, while the 

 bleat is the same. It propagates also very readily with 

 the sheep, the mixed produce being called " Umbro." 

 Although so very shy in its wild state, if taken young it 

 soon becomes domesticated, and feeds with the sheep. 

 Captain S ' says that he saw a mufflon belonging to 



the Archbishop of Xavoni, Primate of the Island, which 

 was singularly tame and playful. 



In the course of last century the island of Sardinia 

 frequently changed masters ; first belonging to Austria, 

 secondly to Spain, and in the beginning of the last 

 century to the House of Savoy. To the latter it has been 

 most faithful, and that under trying cu-cumstances. 

 In the early part of the French Eevolution, when the 

 thirst of conquest was in full vigour, the French Conven- 

 tion i-ecommended the conquest of Sardinia as an easy 

 enterprise. Without even a declaration of war, a fleet and 

 army were ordered to effect this ; but the Sards were pre- 

 pared for the attack ; the Grovernor had time to assemble 

 4000 volunteer infantry and 6000 irregular cavalry. 

 The forts, however, were deficient in guns; of regular 

 troops there were only three battalions, and one company 

 of artillery. The first expedition failed in consequence 

 of the French fleet being destroyed by a violent storm ; 



VOL. II. L 



