Sheep and goats / by G. Mayall.

  • Mayall, G. (Gladstone)
Date:
1912
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Sheep and goats / by G. Mayall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    in winter the animals are clothed with a short, thick woolly down. In the domesticated breeds this down by selection has been increased so much as to eliminate the hair and become known as wool. Other investigators of origin believe that the ovine race, as we know it, is descended from the Mouflon Argali, a wild sheep pre- valent in Kamschatka, Tibet, and Mongolia. This animal is of large stature, prefers as its home ranges of mountains of high altitude with wooded slopes, and separated by large valleys. In the summer it feeds on the plants in the valleys, but in winter lives on mosses, lichens, and herbs. It runs quickly across dangerous gaps in the mountains, and can obtain a footing where man cannot tread. Its flesh and skin are obtained in Siberia by setting up an imitation man at the spot it frequents, and while gazing curiously at the dummy, it is approached and killed by the hunter from the other side. An Argali never seeks to defend its life, but flees before both dogs and men. Excellent meat is furnished by it; the skin supplies good winter clothing and coverings, and the horns' are made into goblets, spoons, and other household utensils. j I The animals live in troops of eight or ten, led by the ^ most vigorous male member of the herd. In the breed- I ing season the rams fight violently, and if the beaten I animal does not seek safety in flight the conqueror [ precipitates him into the ravine. I Wild sheep are creatures of the mountains, inhabiting I ranges even 20,000 feet high. They move about in ; small herds, feeding on herbs in the forests, but less often amidst rocks and ravines beloved by the goat tribe. The wild sheep is lively, agile, and courageous ; ' it loves fighting, and knows how to recognize and avoid
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