744 
MISCELLANEA 
The Language of Sheep. 
Sheep are represented by Count Buffon as the most stupid of all 
quadrupeds. This charge, however, seems not to be altogether 
just. In a state of subjection individuals seldom resist the attack 
of an enemy. But they soon learn that their protection lies in the 
shepherd and his dog ; for when it is necessary to watch the flock, 
in order to prevent the assaults of wolves, foxes, or dogs, upon the 
first alarm the whole of them run with violence to the place where 
the watchman is stationed. On other occasions, they never choose 
to make a very near approach either to men or dogs ; but the sense 
of immediate danger removes their natural timidity, and their sa- 
gacity teaches them where to seek protection. These associated 
movements are effected both by imitation and by peculiar cries 
or bleatings, expressive of alarm and of danger; for though a 
few individuals only perceive the common enemy, yet by motion 
or language the intimidating sentiment is in a moment communi- 
cated to the whole flock. When the female loses or is robbed of 
her lamb, she cries in a manner strongly expressive of the anguish 
she feels. In the eagerness of her search, the loudness of her com- 
plaints, and her desultory movements, her eyeballs seem to start 
from their sockets, and her irregular and distracted motions and 
distortions, joined to the violence and constancy of her bleatings, 
are evident indications of the most pungent grief. A young lamb, 
when it wanders from its mother in the midst of the more nume- 
rous flocks, runs precipitately about, and cries in pitiable tones. 
These cries the mother recognizes. She instantly joins the lamb, 
and their meeting is attended with mutual expressions of the greatest 
joy . — Smellies Philosophy of Natural History, vol. ii, p. 420. 
