304 STRUCTURE OF THE SHEEP. 



bone as horizontally as possible, as thereby the rotundity of 

 the frame is increased. 



The loins are formed by five bones, which partly resem- 

 ble the bones of the back ; but instead of ribs springing 

 from the sides there are fixed bony processes, several inches 

 in length, which aflbrd a protection or roof for the abdomen. 

 These processes, in a well-formed sheep, should be long 

 and horizontal. 



After the loins the spine continues in the sacriun, which, 

 in the lamb, is composed of separate pieces, but is consoli- 

 dated into one bone in the sheep. This bone is perforated 

 for the passage of the spinal cord, which, however, dimin- 

 ishes in size, and terminates at the end of the sacrum in 

 several nerves which run to the tail. The bones of the tail 

 are numerous, but are not perforated. 



THE BONES OF THE FORE EXTREMITIES. 



The joints or articulations of the extremities are the same 

 in number as those of the horse, but the limbs, on reaching 

 the fetlock joint, become divided, and the four bones situated 

 below the fetlock are consequently double. The scapula or 

 blade-bone is similar in shape to that of the horse, having a 

 spine or ridge down its middle for the attachment of mus- 

 cles, but in sheep the bone is not so long in proportion to its 

 width. It is attached to the ribs by muscular substance, by 

 means of which the body is suspended or hung like a car- 

 riage between the two fore-legs, and concussion is thereby 

 materially diminished. From the more circular shape of the 

 ribs the shoulder blades are attached to them with much less 

 mechanical advantage as far as speed is concerned. They 

 are placed wider apart, both above and below, but particu- 

 larly at their lower parts, so that the limbs spread open, at 

 a greater angle, much more like a pair of compasses than 

 do those of the horse, and even the ox, thus giving the 

 sheep that rolling walk so peculiar to the animal and so dis- 

 advantageous with regard to speed. 



The humerus, or shoulder-bone, strong and cylindrical, 

 forms with the blade above the shoulder-joint, the action of 

 which, with that of the elbow-joint below, is more limited 

 than that of the horse. 



The radius or bone of the fore-arm is comparatively 

 shorter than that of the horse, and we find that it is always 



