4^6 Essay on Sheep. 



them to the point from which the sound is 

 derived. When they cease to be their own 

 protectors, and rely upon man both for defence 

 and support, the organs given them with a 

 view to these objects, are gradually impaired, 

 and the debility which results from their inac- 

 tion changes their very form. 



The sheep of France and Germany have 

 nothing particularly worthy of notice, if we 

 except the improvements made within a short 

 period by the introduction of Spanish sheep, 

 on which I shall have occasion to speak more 

 at large hereafter. The common sheep of the 

 country have in general coarse fleeces, and not 

 very heavy ones. Those of Rousillon and 

 Berry must, however, be excepted. The first 

 is in some degree mixed with the Merino, and 

 partake of their qualities; and the wool of 

 Berry is generally estimated at about eighteen 

 cents the pound, while that of the common 

 flocks does not exceed seven cents. In many 

 parts of the country their carcases are large 

 and heavy; but that held in the highest esti- 

 mation is from Brittany, which is extremely 

 small, but the best flavoured mutton I have ever 

 met with. In French Flanders they have a 

 large race of long-woolled sheep. They are 

 not very numerous, requiring richer pastures 



