RUMINATING QUADRUPEDS. 



151 



about six or seven weeks. The proprietors of the flocks think that 

 these periodical journeys improve'the wool ; but it is in all proba- 

 bility a mistaken notion, as the stationary flocks of Leon and Es- 



Common Sheep. 



tramadura produce quite as fine a fleece. Of course such « body 

 of sheep — nearly six millions — do great damage to the lands over 

 whi?h they pass, and many fall victims to fatigue or are destroyed 

 by wolves. 



The Long-tailed Sheep inhabits Syria and Egypt. Its tail is 

 so large and so loaded with fat, that to prevent it from being in- 

 jured by dragging on the ground, a board is fastened to the under 

 side of it, and wheels are often attached to the board. The pecu- 

 liar fat of the tail is considered a great 

 delicacy, and is so soft as to be fre- 

 quently used as butter. The weight of 

 a large tail is about seventy pounds. 



The Wallachian or Cretan sheep 

 is found in Crete, Wallachia, Hungary, 

 and Western Asia. Its horns are 

 exceedingly large, and twisted in a 

 manner resembling the horns of the 

 Kudu. It is very strong, and ex- 

 tremely vicious and unruly. In this and several other sheep the 



Wallacbian Sbeep. 



