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.