GEXCS OVIS. 
131 
lity decidedly characterizing it, its tendency to Felt, 
produced by its structure, the edges appearing ser- 
rated, and the surface imbricated, when viewed under 
a strong magnifying power, while hair is always cy- 
lindrical. An examination of the minute structure 
of the coverings of animals is yet much to be de- 
sired, and it will without doubt throw much addi- 
tional light upon their properties. 
Although attempts have been made to trace the 
stock of our breeds and varieties, it is a subject which 
has never been done to the satisfaction of the writers 
themselves, and one on which it will perhaps be 
•mpossible to come to an accurate decision. The 
Musmon of Corsica, and the Asiatic Argali, al- 
though there are some discrepancies between the 
skeletons of these animals and the domestic races, 
have generally been considered as the most probable 
origin, the appearance being also nearest to that of 
Some of the breeds; and as we pursued the same plan 
t''hen speaking of the goats, we shall notice these 
otiimals, and one or two of the others, before men- 
tioning some of the principal and best breeds, or more 
singular varieties. And first. 
