262 MAMMALIA. 



Asia, in tlie South of Russia, in Upper Egypt, and at the Cape 

 of Good Hope. Travellers have stated that in parts of Eastern 

 Africa some of these Sheep are harnessed to a kind of small truck, 

 solely for the purpose of supporting the weight of their tails. 



There is another race, which is quite as remarkable, known 

 under the name of the Big-headed Sheep. They have no horns, 

 and their necks are supplied with the rudiments of a dew-lap, 

 which recalls to mind that of Oxen. 



The Wallachian Sheep is distinguished by its horns pointing 

 straight upwards, and twisting spirallj^, like those of Antelopes. 



The Iceland Sheep is known to have as many as three, four, and 

 even eight horns. In speaking of the breeding of this valuable 

 animal, we shall presently refer to other varieties which exist in 

 our own counti'y or among neighbouring nations. 



Sheep are, in fact, one of the principal sources of agriciiltural 

 wealth, and furnish, both to commerce and manufacture, i>roducts 

 of no inconsidei'able importance. Flocks of Sheep, from the dung 

 which the)^ leave behind them, are wonderful improvers of the 

 soil. The folding of these animals in a field intended for the culti- 

 vation of corn causes beneficial effects which are felt for three 

 consecutive j'ears. Thus their utility in rural economy has long 

 been known. Their wool, for a very considerable period, was 

 considered their most valuable production ; but now they supply 

 so vast a quantity of wholesome, agreeable, and very nourishing 

 food, that it is doubtful in which way they most benefit the 

 human family. The fat of Sheejj, which forms tallow, is like- 

 wise one of their most important products ; in some breeds 

 it forms a layer from seven to eight inches thick along the 

 ribs and around the loins. Tlieir skin, dej^rived of the wool, is 

 also applied to numerous purposes. Of this integument is made 

 most of the thin leathers which are used in the manufacture of 

 shoes and gloves. When prepared by other j^i'ocesses it takes in 

 commerce the names of chamois, 'parchment, vellum, &c. Lastly, 

 milk and cheese are other useful products which are furnished to 

 us by these useful creatures. 



Ewe's milk, which is remarkable for its richness, is used 

 in manj^ countries as an article of food, but it is more generally 

 applied to the manufacture of cheese. In no part of France do 

 the flocks receive such judicious management, with a view to 



