SHEEP* 
287 
weigh forty pounds. The whole body of the sheep 
frequently weighs two hundred pounds. The 
voice of this animal resembles rather the lowing of 
a calf than the bleating of a sheep. 
Sheep of this character abound through the 
deserts of Tartary, from the Volga to the Irtish 
and the Altaic chain. They are remarkably pro- 
lific ; producing usually two., and not unfrequently 
three lambs at a birth. 
The sheep of Bucharia are described by Linnaeus 
and Pallas as a particular variety ; distinguished 
by large pendent ears, and a large tail, formed like 
a cushion. These are represented as a hybridous 
breed, produced by the copulation of individuals 
of the long-tailed variety with others, either with 
broad tails, or of the variety distinguished by the 
want of a tail. Lamb’s skins, possibly of this 
variety, are brought from Bucharia, Chiva, and 
the adjacent countries, to Astrachan, and there 
sold at a very high price, on account of their 
glossy appearance and furry texture. The wool 
of some of them is curled ; that of others waved. 
They are used in Persia, Russia, and other parts* 
for the lining of coats, and the turning up of caps* 
These are chiefly the skins of lambs taken out of 
the bellies of ewes killed during the period of ges- 
tation. The instant the lamb is taken out of it* 
mother’s belly, it is killed and flayed. Lambs are 
also killed for their skins, in the same manner, im- 
mediately after being brought forth in the natural 
w ay ; and these are scarce inferior to the others. 
One of these skins will sell at Astrachan for five or 
six shillings sterling. They are usually grey ©r 
black. 
