SHORT-TAILED EUROPEAN BREEDS 71 



rams of the two latter breeds are four-horned in that 

 part of the world, since it does not appear that 

 either of these display that abnormality in other 

 countries. 



As regards the alleged hybrids between Russian 

 short-tailed sheep and goats, Dr. Fitzinger^ states 

 that many of these breed freely, although it is 

 not mentioned whether such breeding takes place 

 between themselves or with one or other of the 

 parent stocks. They are stated to be the result 

 of crossing male goats with female sheep ; and 

 are also stated to resemble their dams in every 

 respect except the firmer and stiffer character of 

 the wool. Some further observations on sheep 

 and goat hybrids have been given in the second 

 chapter. 



In the highlands of Central Asia short-tailed 

 sheep are represented by several distinct breeds, 

 which form the subject of a chapter (viii.) by them- 

 selves. 



Domesticated sheep with abbreviated tails are, 

 however, by no means restricted to northern Europe 

 and Central Asia, for the so-called heath-breed of 

 Germany represents this type, and, according to 

 Dr. Fitzinger," appears to be only a rather small 

 and slightly built strain of the one found in 

 northern Europe. He describes it as having 

 upright ears, which frequently display a tendency 



^ op. cit., p. 201. ' op. cit., p. 209. 



