THE BOKES. 1G9 



In this respect it is the most valuable and profitable feeder the 

 farmer can make use of ; at the same tune no other animal is so 

 feeble and defenseless, nor so soon succumbs to disease of a debil- 

 itating or exhausting character. Its circulatory system being 

 weak, it is on the other hand comparatively free from inflamma- 

 tory diseases, to which the horse and ox are especially subject. 



This peculiarity of the character of the sheep may be inferred 

 from a view of its skeleton, fig. 60, in which the small space occu- 



SKELETON OF THE SHEEP. 



pied by the heart and lungs, is very marked in comparison with 

 the large abdominal space which gives ample room for the diges- 

 tive organs. The bones of the sheep number 226, including 32 

 teeth. These bones are disposed as follows : 



Vertebral column .................... .................. 43 



Head, (without teeth) ................................. 28 



Teeth, (in the adult) ................................... 32 



Thorax or chest ........................................ 27 



Shoulders ...... ..... ............. .................... 2 



Arms and forearms ..................................... 6 



Fore feet, (20 in each) .......... ........................ 40 



Pelvis ................................................ 2 



Thighs and legs ................... 8 



Hind feet, (19 in each) ................................. 38 



226 



The structure of the head of the sheep is such as to secure great 

 strength. In horned sheep, the upper portion of the skull is more 

 strongly built than in the polled or hornless ones. This structure 

 is necessary to protect the brain from the shocks consequent on 

 the mode of warfare of the rams, which are pugnacious annuals. 

 8 



