422 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the soonov the practice of registering^ was coinnicnced tlic hettcr it would he 

 for hrecders and all parties concerned. 



A. M. Willett, chairman of the committee, reported a resolution that the 

 association estahlish a State Sheep Register. A number of gentlemen urged 

 the propriety of such a course. 



The resolution was adopted and the following committee was apjiointed to 

 report a plan of registration at a future meeting: N. S. Anthony, Marengo, 

 Jessup Wood, Saline, and John Thompson, Grand Blanc. 



The prean)ble and first resolution were then ]ircsented for discussion. 



Mr. Soutliwell moved that the word " Thorouglibrcd " should be prefixed to 

 "American Merino." — Lost. 



Mr. J. S. Wood claimed that the term ''American Merino" was the proper 

 one as representing the American improvement made upon the Spanish Merino, 

 to whicli the generality of the members assented. 



Mr. Miller moved that the following amendment be added after the words 

 "pure Spanish origin : " " with pedigree tracing back to the importations prior 

 to 1814." 



This amendment was supported, and immediately aroused a spirited discus- 

 sion. Many of the speakers claimed that if a standard was contemplated it 

 might as well be established at the present time, and that it was essential that 

 a good one should be 'decided upon. 



On the other hand, it was urged that the proposed standard would exclude 

 the great mass of the sheep in the State, and some of the members of the so- 

 ciety stated that such a resolution, if carried, would exclude their sheep from 

 registration and from the class. 



Mr. Anthony declared that if his flock was cut off by the amendment he was 

 willing to obtain sheep that would be admissible in the class, and announced 

 his determination to do so. 



This opinion and feeling appeared to govern the majority of the convention, 

 and the amendment and the resolution, as amended, were adopted. 



The resolution, as amended, reads as follows: 



Besohed, That we adopt the name "American Merino," as including all and none 

 Lut those of pure Spanish origin, with pedigree tracing to the importations prior to 

 1814. 



PREMIUMS AT STATE FAIR. 



The committee reported the following resolution with regard to premiums 



at the State Fair: 



Eesolved, That this Association recommeiul that the State Agricultural Society 

 offer preniiunis on three classes of fine wooled sheep. 



1. On American Merinos, bred for profit and for quality of fleeces. 



2. For Dehiine Merinos, bred for length of staple. 



3. On Merino grade ewes. 



Als^o a sweepstake premium on stock ram, three years old and over, with not less 

 than five of his get. 



Mr. Ben B. Baker offered the following resolution relating to the same 



subject. 



Besolved, That the State Agricultural Society be requested to offer premiums for 

 the following classes, viz.: 



1. Aineritan Mej'inos. 



2. Delaine Merinos. 



3. Soutlidowns. 



4. Shrupshires and other middle wools. 



5. Leicesters. 



6. Cotswold and other long wools. 



