In this case we have the results of close interbreeding, with too great a difference between the original species, combining to produce infertility, yet the fact of a hybrid from such a pair producing healthy offspring is itself noteworthy.
Still more extraordinary is the following statement of Mr.Low: "It has been long known to shepherds, though questioned by naturalists, that the progeny of the cross between the sheep and goat is fertile.

Breeds of this mixed race are numerous in the north of Europe."[55] Nothing appears to be known of such hybrids either in Scandinavia or in Italy; but Professor Giglioli of Florence has kindly given me some useful references to works in which they are described.

The following extract from his letter is very interesting: "I need not tell you that there being such hybrids is now generally accepted as a fact.

Buffon (_Supplements_, tom.iii.p.7, 1756) obtained one such hybrid in 1751 and eight in 1752.

Sanson (_La Culture_, vol.vi.p.