STAGGERS. 
561 
dependent on the protection of the shepherd, sheep will be 
found to assume a very different character. Rams and wedders 
have been known to attack a single dog, and in general are 
found more than a match for one of ordinary strength. But 
when danger of an imminent kind presents itself, the whole 
dock assume an attitude of defence,—forming themselves 
into a compact body, with the- females and young in the 
centre, the males place themselves in the front, and, keep¬ 
ing close to each other, boldly wait the attack ; and when 
their enemy has approached within a few yards, the rams 
dart upon him with such impetuosity, as to lay him dead, 
unless he takes to flight, and thus eludes their vengeance. 
Dogs and foxes have no chance of breaking their ranks 
when thus formed. 
CHAPTER L 
DISEASES OF THE HEAD, ETC. 
STAGGERS. 
Symptoms. —This malady has a variety of names applied to 
it, as indicating various diseases, namely, sturdy , goggles , 
ferusick , and hydrocephalus , or water in the head; but they 
are in fact only one. 
The staggers is a disease which more particularly attacks 
young sheep or hogs, from a year to eighteen months old. 
Sheep that have died of this disorder, on their skull being 
opened, a collection of water has been found between the 
