in the Breeds of Sheep » 91 



The lambs are remarked to be less capable of standing up 

 to suck without assistance, when first yeaned, than others. 



Although they arrive somewhat later at maturity, the sheep 

 are said to live as long as those of our common breeds ; unless 

 in some cases, where by reason of their debility and decrepi- 

 tude, their health is impaired and their lives shortened. 



To whatever cause it may be attributed, whether arising 

 from defect in vertebrae, muscle, joint, or limb, it is certain 

 that they can neither run nor jump like other sheep. They are 

 more infirm in their organic construction, as well as more 

 awkward in their gait, having their fore-legs always crooked, 

 and their feet turned inwards when they walk. According to 

 some information, the rams are commonly more deformed 

 than the ewes. 



Sprung from an individual, remarkable for what might be 

 called a caprice of nature,* it is not one of the least extraordi- 

 nary circumstances, that this misshapen and feeble race should 

 propagate their own deformity and decrepitude until these 

 characteristics have become constitutional and hereditary. 



It may be asked with reason, why such a breed should 

 have been continued } 



The expectation of advantage, particularly in one way, 

 doubtless prevailed over slighter considerations. We cannot 

 boast of being such neat farmers, or of being so much attached 

 to fine shapes in animals as the more skilful graziers and 

 breeders in Europe ; consequently the prospect of gain in 

 some useful quality, or even of exemption from inconveni- 

 ence, would more readily recompense us for the want of 

 beauty, or reconcile us to the sight of what, to more acute or 



* Lusus naturae. 



Na 



