THE IMPROVED ART OF FARRIERY. 389 



frequently graze in parties of eight, or ten, or twelve, 

 of which one is stationed at a distance from the rest 

 to give notice of the approach of danger. On observing 

 any one approach, at the distance of two or three 

 hundred yards, the sentinel turns his face to the eneroy, 

 keeping a vigilant eye upon his motions, and allowing 

 him to advance as near as eighty or a hundred yards ; 

 but if the suspected foe attempts to come nearer, the 

 watchful guard alarms his comrades by a loud hiss or 

 whistle, which is repeated two or three times. Upon 

 this signal the whole party scour away with incon- 

 ceivable rapidity, and soon gain the most inaccessible 

 parts of the mountains. 



THE MANY-HORNED SHEEP. 



These animals are natives of Iceland, and differ from 

 the English breed in many particulars ; having straight 

 upright ears, a small tail, and sometimes four, five, or 

 even eight horns. Their wool is long, smooth, and 

 hairy ; and under the outward coat, which falls off at 

 certain periods, they have another covering resembling 

 a short and soft fur. They are of a dark brown co- 

 lour, and the quantity of wool produced by each sheep 

 is about four pounds. They acquire considerable fat- 

 ness by feeding on the scurvy-grass, of which they are 

 extremely fond. In stormy weather they hide them- 

 selves in caves from the fury of the elements ; but 

 when such retreats are not to be found, they collect 

 together during the heavy falls of snow, and place their 

 heads near each other, with their muzzles inclined to- 

 wards the ground. This not only prevents tlieir beii\g 



