Explanation of the Plate. %BS 



most every disease, incident to sheep, has been frequent. She 

 had lambs in 1807 and 1808, but, being lambed in an incle- 

 ment season, they died. One of them was not a healthy 

 lamb. 



The old ram died, in Lancaster county, at about 15 years 

 old, in health and vigour, by an accident in some rencounter. 

 He must have been out of luck; for I have seen him in a furious 

 and awful conflict, in which he finally defeated a powerful 

 young bull, in my farm yard, after a bitter contest of half an 

 hour's continuance. Though he received some bad flesh 

 wounds, he eluded every attempt to toss him ; and, at every 

 fair opportunity, gave tremendous proofs of his being, lite- 

 rally, an animated battering ram, I had determined to shoot 

 the bull, though a valuable one, to save the ram; as they could 

 not be separated. While I went for a musket, the victory was 

 decided by the bull's retreat. He was generally gentle, good 

 tempered and playful, though sometimes rough in his plea- 

 santry. But when enfuriated, he was fearfully ferocious. He 

 had a mode, like deer, of striking with his fore-foot ; so that 

 the fiercest dog I had, dreaded and avoided him. He once 

 saved a flock, by making battle against a dog, 'till a rescue 

 arrived. All fled, but his partner Selhna ; who, fixed to his 

 fate, stood aloof, at a small distance from the combatants, 

 not willing to desert her companion, to whom she was at- 

 tached by habit and instinctive affection. 



I have mentioned these traits of character, in the original 

 pair, because they descend, though not always thus strongly 

 marked, to all the race ; when care is taken of the crosses, 

 and justice is done to the flocks. 



o. A three quarter ewe, six years old. Generally white, 

 with some tawney spots. Head, face, cheeks, and legs, tawney. 

 Remarkably handsome ; with all the points and qualities of 

 the breed. 



