22 Sheep-Farming 



least attempt to go, also. This instinct the shepherd 

 very often uses to advantage in driving sheep, for 

 if one is induced to go, the others will gladly follow. 

 It does not seem that any individual is chosen leader, 

 though one may be observed to lead frequently, but 

 as a rule they all seem to rush to follow as soon as 

 one volunteers to lead. Curiosity is a striking 

 feature of their nature, A bit of white paper blown 

 past them by the wind will cause them to start 

 towards it. Anything moving that they do not un- 

 derstand holds them entranced. A trait common to 

 sheep is to stamp the foot when alarmed or excited. 

 It seems to be a signal that readily alarms the rest 

 of the sheep, and it is also one that the ewe em- 

 ploys freely if a stranger approaches when she has 

 the care of her lambs. 



The domesticated sheep has never been known to 

 return to a wild state, no matter how much neglected. 

 They will always return to the fold where they reared 

 their lambs, if not put in other quarters. Though 

 they become timid of strangers, yet they give every 

 confidence to their caretaker if he proves himself 

 worthy of it. It is a curious fact that a flock of sheep 

 in ascending a hUl will not ascend it straight, but 

 always follow a diagonal course. Another pecul- 

 iarity is that it is almost impossible to induce them 

 to take a step backwards. They will never back 

 unless frightened, or a greater force than theirs 

 compels them to do so. 



