310 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTUKE. 



merino and the Pauler or Kicli merino. The Atwood had its origin in Con- 

 necticut, and when after tlie downfall of the Saxon the Spanish came into 

 favor the Atwood became a great favorite, and colonies from the original flock 

 were taken to various States of the Union. Mr. Hammond, of Vermont, has 

 improved this family more than any other man ; indeed it is claimed for him 

 that for tlie American merino he has done as much as Mr. Bake well among the 

 long-wooled sheep of England. In a flock of 200 the average yield of unwashed 

 wool is ten pounds per head. The celebrated ram '' Sweepstakes" lias yielded 

 in one fleece of unwashed avooI 27 pounds. 



The Paular or Rich merinoes have flourished in Vermont, and down to the 

 present time may no doubt be found at the old homestead in Shoreham. In 

 1840 they were described as heavy, short-legged, broad animals, full iu the 

 quarters, strong-boned, with thick, short necks and thick, coarse heads. 



Later importations of Spanish breeds and of various English breeds might be 

 dwelt upon, but we pass on to speak of our own experience with sheep. Those 

 of the Paular family have been our favorites, and of them we purpose chiefly to 

 Avrite at present. An experience of twenty-five years, we trust, Avill go some 

 length in our favor in what we may present to the Institute. By careful breed- 

 ing and keeping my flock has improved in form, constitution, and length and 

 quality of wool. The average yield of this is ten pounds per head unwashed for 

 ewes, taken off about the first of May. Qualities are a white and long staple, 

 three-fourths of which is delaine wool. 



My manner of breeding has been varied, iu and in, and at times going out- 

 ride of my flock when an object was to be attained, notwithstanding the many 

 popular errors afloat in regard to breeding in and in, and also the fact estab- 

 lished by physiologists relative to the degenerate condition of leading families 

 of the human race who have intermarried with each other. Where we have 

 perfection, or an approximation thereto, in form and a good constitution, this 

 course is followed with success. Our own experience in this has given uniform- 

 ity to our flock, and satisfactory improA'emeut in general conditions. Special 

 points present themselves which must be met by going outside of one's flock, 

 such as length of staple, compactness of fleece, or covering of head and legs. 



By a careful discrimination in the selection of bucks and in the rejection of 

 indifferent ewes, we nave done much in bringing our flock to its present condi- 

 tion. In selecting bucks we take those with compact, heavy bodies, short legs, 

 and short neck and short head, with large nose. 



In relation to a certain class of ewes, the knife or any other laudable means 

 of relief must be used, or failure follows. I refer to those witli slender nose, 

 fine boned hmbs, and small feet. These all denote a weak and feeble constitu- 

 tion, and must be put beyond the fold, or severe penalties follow. 



Some items may not be amiss relative to points indicative of good breeding. 

 One farmer seeks for a heavy fleece, thinking he has an approach towards per- 

 fection ; another admires a profusion of wrinkles as the proof of improved grade, 

 but neither of these conditions is conclusive evidence of what is sought after. 

 Where Avrinkles are numerous the wool is lacking in quality, the shearing more 

 difiicult, and the animal is not tough, hardy, or of good constitution. While 

 upon this point we would add, although wrinkled sheep as such do not have 

 a preference in our estimation, yet the sheep with heavy folds on the neck, 

 increasing in size as they approach the lower part of the neck, show improved 

 grade. 



Many farmers suffer much loss, and some get wholly discouraged in relation 



