MAMMALIA RUMINANTIA DIAGRAM 3. 53 



ing to the breed ; it has been known to weigh over twenty 

 pounds, but generally weighs ten or twelve. It is full of grease, 

 which is removed by washing. The finest wool is the most 

 valuable, and is obtained from tLe race of sheep called merinos. 

 It is a little curled, while wools of inferior quality are harder 

 and stiffer. Cloth, flannel, bunting, knitting-wool, and many 

 other materials are made of sheeps' wool. White wool takes 

 the finest and richest colours in dyeing Lastly, mutton fat is 

 used for making soap and candles. 



The Ox. Although the ox yields no wool, it is, like the sheep, 

 one of the most useful animals. It is reared for its meat, leather, 

 horns, and fat ; cows give their milk to make butter and cheese ; 

 and in many countries the oxen work, and draw vehicles like 

 horses elsewhere. Oxen are generally sluggish, but when 

 irritated they sometimes become furious, and the sight of any 

 red material often drives them into a rage. They defend them- 

 selves with their horns, and turn their heads to their enemies, 

 <ind sometimes toss them into the air with great violence. 

 Oxen are not afraid of wolves, and, when attacked by them, 

 they assemble in herds, putting the cows and calves in the 

 centre, and wait bravely for the wolves, or else chase them away 

 themselves. 



It has been noticed that oxen were capable of feeling attach- 

 ment, not only for those who take care of them, but also for 

 animals of their own species. Those which are accustomed to 

 be together at the plough, and know each other, do not work so 

 well apart, or when yoked with new comers. Sometimes the ox 

 is made to work with the collar like horses ; and at other times a 

 pair is attached to the same yoke by the horns. 



The manner in which ox hide is converted into leather, is the 

 same as that used for all hides which are tanned. The hide is 

 put into deep pits with bruised oak-bark, and left there for some 

 months. At the end of this time the hide will not rot, it has 

 become supple, and can be put to any known use. 



Cows' milk is a no less valuable produce than beef. Butter 



