MAMMALIA KUMINANTIA DIAGRAM 3. 53 



ing to the breed ; it lias 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 the 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 linen takes 

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

 used for 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 may become furious, and the sight of a red stuff 

 often drives them into a rage. They defend themselves with 

 their horns, and turn their heads to their enemies, and sometimes 

 toss them into the air with great violence. Oxen are not afraid 

 of wolves, and when they attempt to attack 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 w r ork 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 



