INTRODUCTION. 



The sheep, according to Cuvier, belongs to the Order 

 RuMiNANTiA ; having teeth in the lower jaw only, opposed 

 to a callous substance in the upper jaw ; six molar teeth on 

 either side, and the joint of the lower jaw adapted for a grind- 

 ing motion ; four stomachs, and these, with the oesophagus, 

 so constructed that the food is returned for the purpose of 

 rumination ; long intestines not cellated : — the Tribe Ca- 

 PRiD.E ; the horns, where they are found, being permanent; 

 placed on a vascular bony basis or process ; the horny sheath 

 receiving its increase by annual ringlets at the base, forming 

 deep sulci around the horn, with others as deep running 

 longitudinally, and dividing the surface of the horn into a 

 succession of irregularities or knots. The general structure 

 light, and adapted for springing or swiftness : the ears usually 

 erect and funnel-shaped ; the pupils of the eye oblong, and 

 there not being any canine teeth in the mouth : — the Genus 

 Ovis ; wdth or without horns, and these, where present, 

 taking more or less a spiral direction ; the forehead or out- 

 line of the face convex ; no lachrymal or respiratory open- 

 ing under the eye ; the nostrils lengthened, and terminating 

 without a muzzle ; no beard ; the body covered with short, 

 close hair, with a downy wool beneath, and, in a domestic 

 state, the wool prevailing over the hair, or quite superseding 

 it ; the legs slender, yet firm. 



Of these there are three varieties : the Ovis Amnon, or 

 Argali ; the Ovis Musmon ; and the Ovis Aries, or Do- 

 mestic Sheep. The first two will be described in a future 

 chapter, and the last will form the subject of this work.* 



From the earliest period of the world the sheep has been 

 domesticated by man, and appropriated to his wants. " Cain 



* Animal Kingdom — Spiopsis. 

 2 



