and to our great astonishment, one day, the area bell
used by the tradespeople, and the wire of which passed by the side of
one of the railings, was sounded. The cook answered it; but no one was
there save the goat and kids, with their heads bent down towards the
kitchen window. It was thought that some boy had rung for them; but they
were watched, and the old goat was seen to hook one of her horns into
the wire, and pull it. This is too much like reason to be ascribed to
mere instinct.

The Caucasian Ibex, is a goat which affords as much dangerous and
exciting sport as the chamois, but is more savage; and has been known to
turn round on its pursuer, and hurl him down a precipice. It has a
remarkable way of throwing itself down these steep places, head
foremost, so as to light upon its horns; which being elastic, bear the
shock, and save the animal from injury. They pasture in the valleys at
night, and return during the day to the mountains.

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