The Sheep. 145 
success into our English pastures, and the wool of the 
hybrids, raised between the Merino Sheep and the South 
Down Sheep, is thought nearly equal to that of Spain. 
In stormy weather, these animals generally hide 
themselves in caves from the fury of the elements ; but 
if such retreats are not to be found, they collect them- 
selves together, and, during a fall of snow, place their 
heads near each other, with their muzzles inclined to 
the ground. In this situation they sometimes remain 
till hunger compels them to gnaw each other's wool, 
which forms into hard balls in the stomach and destroys 
them. But in general they are sought out and extri- 
cated soon after the storm has subsided. 
M The Sheep," Mr. Bell observes, " is one of the most 
interesting of all animals as regards its historical rela- 
tions with man. It was the subject of the first sacrifices, 
and was used in its typical character as an offering of 
atonement ; and the relation which existed between the 
patriarchal shepherds and their flock was of so intimate 
and even affectionate a nature as to have afforded the 
subject of many beautiful passages in the Holy Scrip- 
tures." 
