Thus wethers have
small horns, like ewes; and oxen large bent horns, and hoarse
voices when they low, like cows: for bulls have short straight
horns; and though they mutter and grumble in a deep tremendous
tone, yet they low in a shrill high key. Capons have small combs
and gills, and look pallid about the head, like pullets; they also
walk without any parade, and hover chickens like hens. Barrow-
hogs have also small tusks like sows.
Thus far it is plain that the deprivation of masculine vigour puts a
stop to the growth of those parts or appendages that are looked
upon as its insignia. But the ingenious Mr. Lisle, in his book on
husbandry, carries it much farther; for he says that the loss of those
insignia alone has sometimes a strange effect on the ability itself:
he had a boar so fierce and venereous, that, to prevent mischief,
orders were given for his tusks to be broken off. No sooner had the
beast suffered this injury then his powers forsook him, and he
neglected those females to whom before he was passionately
attached, and from whom no fences could restrain him.
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