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deciphering the secrets of the stars while their flocks 

 rested in the open air. To get their bearings in the 

 midst of the infinite multitude of stars, these shep- 

 herds gave to the principal groups or constellations 

 names that have been perpetuated and that science 

 still uses. Man's most precious possession received 

 at that time a celestial consecration by having its 

 name given to such and such a part of the sky. One 

 of the constellations was called Taurus (the bull) ; 

 and that is what it still is and always will be called. 

 In this group are seen stars that form an angle, the 

 two branches of which represent the animal's horns; 

 there is also a superb star that darts red fire and 

 suggests the sparkling eye of an infuriated bull. 

 What greater honor could the bull receive than to be 

 thus placed among the splendors of the sky?" 



"The shepherds' idea fully satisfies me; nothing 

 better could be imagined for the glorification of the 

 ox. Other domestic animals doubtless have had 

 places assigned them in the firmament?" 



6 1 Of course. Another constellation is called Aries 

 (the ram), another Capricornus (goat-horned)." 



"And how about the dog?" Emile asked. 



"The dog was not to be forgotten: is it not man's 

 earliest ally, the courageous servant that made pos- 

 sible the taming of the herd? Its name has been 

 given to a magnificent constellation in which shines 

 the brightest star in the sky." 



"And the others, the cat, horse, pig, and donkey?" 



"None of them received from the ancient shep- 

 herds the honor of a place in the firmament, their ac- 



