Wild sheep. 
33 
approaches they descend with their young to feed 
on the grass, and such other vegetables as they can 
meet with : but their greatest luxury is salt ; and 
whenever they can meet with a spot impregnated 
with this mineral they constantly leave the marks 
of their tongues ; from whence such spots are called 
licking-places. The natives take advantage of this 
favourite propensity, and place pit-falls in the paths 
which lead to these spots, in which the unsuspect- 
ing animals are frequently caught. Other animals 
are equally fond of this relish, as we have noticed in 
the deer, who have their licking-places in America, 
to which they resort in large herds. 
The rams among the wild sheep are said to be so 
strong that ten men can scarcely hold one. The 
young are easily tamed ; and it is supposed that the 
first trial gave rise, among a gentle race of mankind, 
to the domesticating these most useful of quadru- 
peds ; which, says Mr. Pennant, the rude Kamts- 
chatkans to this moment consider only as objects of 
the chase, while every other part of the world enjoy 
their various benefits, reclaimed from a state of na- 
ture. 
VOL. I. 
D 
