[377] Three Months passed in the Mountains east of Rome, by Maria Graham (Lady Calcott), p. 36. 55, 56.
The same writer says, that “black sheep are rather encouraged here for the wool,” and that “the clothing of the friars is of this undyed wool.” p. 55.
From Athenæus[378] we learn the superior excellence of the goats of Scyros and Naxos.
[378] Quoted in Chapter I. p. 236. Ælian bears testimony to the same fact, observing, that the cows of Epirus were said to yield the greatest quantity of milk, and the goats of Scyros. Hist. Anim. l. iii. cap. 33.
From Tournefort, Sonnini, and other modern travellers we learn, that both Scyros and Naxos are very rocky and mountainous, and that they still produce goats. See also Dapper, Description des Isles de l’Archipel, p. 256. 350.
Virgil (l. c.), after mentioning the use of goats for food, goes on to show their contributions to the weaver.
Cloth’d in their shaven beards and hoary hair,
Fence of the ocean spray and nightly air,
The miserable seaman breasts the main,
And camps uninjur’d press the marshy plain.