On Tunis Sheep, 221 



der part of the leg. Cattle in the cleft ; which when dis- 

 eased, is lacerated often by a hair rope drawn between 

 the clefts; when gentler means would effect the purpose. 



6. A Tunis tup couples with a ewe of other breeds 

 with more certainty of eifect, than a tup of the common 

 species, with a Tunis ewe. The broad tail is the im- 

 pediment. This must be managed by an adroit pander. 

 I have known frequent failures in projected crosses, ow- 

 ing to inattention in this particular. But the Tunis tup 

 finds no difficulty with a ewe of his ow^n race. However 

 w^himsical it may ajifpear, the colour of the tongue of 

 any breed, is said to be important in the selection of a 

 tup. The third georgick of Firgil records the fact ; 

 which I have seen verified in several instances. I give 

 Dryden's translation of the passage. 



** Even tho* a snowy ram thou shalt behold, 

 Prefer him not in haste, for husband to th}- fold. 

 But search his mouth ; and if a swarthy tongue 

 Is underneath his humid palate hung-, 

 Reject him ; lest he darken all thy fiock ; 

 And substitute another from thy stock." 



If this should seem to some improbable, it will be no 

 difficult task for the incredulous, to avoid the black 

 tongue ; — lest, per chance, the denunciation of Virgil 

 may turn out well founded. 



7. The tail is the true test of purity of blood ; and 

 horns are a bad symptom ; especially if large. The tufts 

 on the thighs, and crest, or forelock, are also marks of 

 blood. 



Those who find this race preferable, under all its 

 circumstances, must balance advantages and compara- 

 tive defects. It is, like the Merino, a peculiar genus and 

 race of sheep. Those who value them must reconcile 

 themselves to coloured w^ool ; though the greatest pro- 



