The Cow is the most important animal of the farmer’s stock. Being equally capable of enduring heat and cold. It is an inhabitant of the frozen, as well as of the most scorching climates. There are a great variety of kinds; and they are all of a very humble and gentle disposition. The climate and pastures of Great Britain are well adapted to the nature of this animal; and we are indebted to the variety and abundance of our wholesome vegetables, for the number and excellence of our cattle, which range over our hills, and enliven our plains—a source of wealth and boast to this happy country. Not having the upper fore-teeth, the Cow prefers the high and rich grass in pastures, to the short and more delicate herbage generally selected by the horse. For this reason, where the grass is rather high and flourishing in our pastures than large and full, the Cow thrives well; and there is no part of Europe in which this animal grows larger, gives more milk, or fattens sooner. The quantity of milk given by Cows is various; some give only about six quarts in a day, whilst others give from fifteen to twenty.
THE RAM.
THE RAM.
Sheep are very useful animals: they are quiet and harmless. They tremble at the voice of the shepherd, or at the barking of his dog; but, on the great hills where they run about at liberty, away from the shepherd, they shew more courage. Sometimes a Ram or Wether will boldly attack a single dog, and often come off victorious; but when the danger is more alarming, they collect the strength of the whole flock. On such occasions they draw up in a complete body, placing the female and the young in the middle, while the males take the foremost ranks, keeping close by each other. Thus an armed front is formed on all sides that cannot easily be attacked without danger of destruction to the dog. In this manner they wait with firmness the approach of the enemy, nor does their courage fail them in the moment of attack: for, when the dog advances within a few yards of the line, the Rams dart upon him with such force as to lay him dead at their feet, unless he save himself in time by flight.
THE SHEEP.
THE SHEEP.