Anecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of AnimalsLee, R., Mrs.
General
Anecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of Animals
Lee, R., Mrs.
Animal behavior -- Juvenile literature
In countries where bulls and cows will not live, goats are invaluable.
Their flesh is like bad mutton; but long absence from South downs, makes
the appetite less dainty, and their kids are very delicate. However, it
is chiefly for their good, nourishing milk that they are to be prized.
The horns of goats are often used by Mussulmans, as an antidote to the
evil eye.
Bishop Heber relates the following anecdote. "A monkey came down from a
tree to steal the breakfast of a shepherd, who was resting under it with
his flock of sheep and goats. He drove the monkey away, who, in his
hurry, upset a bee's nest. The insects flew out, and attacked not only
the intruder, but the goats and sheep underneath. The curious part was
to watch the different behaviour of the two species. The sheep crowded
together, buried their noses in the sand, and did not attempt to resist,
but bleated piteously. The goats all ran as fast as they could to an
encamping party close by, seeking the assistance of man, as dogs would
have done."
SHEEP.
IT is but little necessary to descant here on the different fleeces, and
various flavours of mutton which the numerous breeds of sheep afford.
The least reflection and observation, teach us their unspeakable value
as sources of food, clothing, and other purposes; my task therefore lies
with their dispositions and comprehensions. The last anecdote related
shews, that they have more patience, but less courage and resource, than
the more lively companions with whom they are so frequently associated,
and whom they so much resemble. In many instances, however, maternal
instinct has called forth their powers to a degree which has caused
surprise; and they have been known to traverse considerable distances to
seek the assistance of their own kind, or of their shepherd, when their
lambs have been in danger. Moreover, a ram is sometimes a formidable
enemy, when he thinks any mischief is intended towards the flock of
which he is the proud leader.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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