244 NEW. ZEALAND NATURE-STUDY BOOK 
The tail of the Sheep is short and woolly. The 
animal does not require a long tail like the Horse or Cow, 
as its fleece is a protection against flies and insects, as 
well as against cold. | 
The descriptions already given in the lesson on the Cow, 
of the horns, hoofs, and limbs, method of feeding, etc., 
apply to the Sheep as well. 
Habits.—Sheep are gregarious animals—they like to 
go about in flocks, and, if not confined in small enclosures, 
will frequently wander great distances in search of food 
or a suitable locality to rest in. The members of a flock 
have a curious habit of following one of their number— 
the leader—following that is, not only the direction he 
takes, but imitating his movements as well. If a stick be 
placed so that the leader Jumps over it—the others will do 
the same—sometimes they will continue to jump when they 
reach the place even though the stick be withdrawn. Ina 
wild state, when escaping from enemies, the members of 
the flock were obliged to trust for guidance to those in 
front. In the race for safety it often happened that leaps 
were necessary—and as those behind were probably 
unable to see the obstacle, and, moreover, had not time 
to consider the situation for themselves, their only chance 
lay in following the example of their leaders. Hence a 
characteristic which has given rise to the expression “ to 
follow like a flock of sheep.” 
The young of Sheep, the lambs, are, as every one knows, 
extremely fond of play. They are able, moreover, to run 
and keep up with their mothers, climbing steep hills and 
travelling long distances. It is for this reason they are 
provided with thick strong legs, which enabled them when 
in a wild state, to run with their parents and escape from 
danger ; contrast with the Cow and her young. 
