LESSON XXXV.
1. Sheep appear very helpless, but when they run wild they know how to take care of themselves very well.
2. They butt with their heads, and the large, old rams will run very fast, and strike a fearful blow.
3. When a flock of wild sheep is feeding, one is placed at some distance out on each side, to keep watch.
4. If an enemy is seen, the guards give a kind of whistle, and the whole flock scuds away to the rocks on the mountain.
5. If they can not get away, they place the lambs in the center of the flock, and the old sheep face outward, the biggest rams in advance.
6. When the fox or the dog is within a few yards, the rams rush at him, and they are nearly always successful in killing or driving him away.
7. The ewe has so strong a love for her lamb, that she will face any danger to protect it.
8. One day a shepherd saw a fox in a high, rocky place, trying to get a young lamb; but the old ewe kept her head toward the fox, and gave him no chance.
9. At last the fox made a spring and seized the lamb, and at the same time the ewe struck him with her head, and they all went over the rocks and were killed.
10. There are sheep in South Africa which have tails so large and fat, that the people tie them to small carts so that the sheep can get about. The fat is used for butter.