10-2 A COUNTRY READER. 



These habits were indulged in for such long 

 ages by sheep before they were domesticated 

 by man, they became so deeply rooted in the 

 family of sheep, became so instinctive, as it is 

 termed, that many of them still linger. 



The wild impulse of the long past arises, and the 

 domesticated sheep partially obeys that impulse. 



Let us now consider some of these curious 

 habits that you all must have noticed. 



It is by observing the natural ways and habits 

 of the young of animals that we are able to 

 decide, with great certainty, what were the ways 

 and habits of their wild ancestors. 



Lambs when at play select the steepest part of 

 a field, and, if there is a rock or log lying about, 

 they will skip on to it and butt at one another 

 from it. 



The shepherds of the South Down sheep tell 

 us that if any of their flock, during the night, 

 break from their fold, they are mostly to be found 

 on the highest ground of the neighbourhood. 



Lambs have long legs, and when a few days 

 old are capable of keeping up with the flock. If 

 this had not been so, the beasts of prey would 

 soon have made an end to the race of sheep. 



If a flock of sheep, scattered over a field 

 grazing, become alarmed, or if the sheep dog be 

 sent amongst them, they will immediately collect 

 in a body and follow the lead of a leader. 



