THE SHEEP. 187

Ishmaelite, being over the camels, and Jaziz, the Hagerite,
over the flocks.

- With regard to the management of sheep in the Kast, it
will be interesting to trace both the similarity that exists to
our own usages, and the points of difference cansed by
variety of climate and increased civilization. In many
parts of the Bible, where the word “‘sheepfold” is used,
“pasture” would be preferable, as the Hebrews did not
usually fold their flocks at night; but when in a neighbour-
hood where they considered themselves and their c in-
danger from the attacks of nomades or wild beasts, they
drove them either into caves, or, where these were wanting,
into enclosures erected for the purpose ; and this might be
very properly translated “‘sheepfold” or “sheepcote,” as in
2 Samuel vii. and 1 Chronicles xvii. When no danger is
feared, the sheep are only folded in the East when collected
for the purpose of being shorn. In Solomon’s Song is a
reference to sheep-washing, so that in this particular the
ancient custom was analogous to that of the present day:
“Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn,
which came up from the washing.” In the 10th chapter
of John are several beautiful allusions to sheep and shep-
herds, illustrating many of the pastoral customs of the time,