18 BRITISH QUADRUPEDS. 



so with those who are the special objects of his love and 

 care. He calls them away from the vanities of the 

 world, from sinful pleasures, from trust in man, and 

 from dependence on themselves, and they obey his word. 

 He invites them to " the green pastures " of his service 

 and ordinances ; and availing themselves of the proffered 

 privilege, they give proof that they know his voice. 

 May the language of every reader be : 



" Thy flock, with what a tender care, 



Bless' d Jesus, dost thou keep ! 

 Fain would my weak, my wandering soul 

 Be iiumber'd with thy sheep. 



Gentle, and tractable, and plain, 



My heart would ever be, 

 Averse to harm, prepense to help, 



And faithful unto thee. 



The gentle accents of thy voice 

 My listening soul would hear ; 



And by the signals of thy will 

 Direct my whole career." 



Various breeds of sheep are described by early writers 

 on agriculture, as existing in Spain ; they were of 

 different colours, black, red, and tawny ; and probably 

 imported from Italy. They were of a breed which had 

 gradually spread from the coast of Syria and the Black 



