WOOL-BEAKERS OF THE PASTURES. 



185 



mals to clothe us, we must ask them to sacrifice their lives 

 that we may have their skins. The sheep can keep its 

 skin, and still cover us. Originally, sheep furnished milk 

 as well as texture, and it was only when meat was de- 

 manded that they gave up their lives ; and just in propor- 

 tion to the care man has bestowed upon these timid and 

 defenseless animals has been the reward they have yielded 

 him. 



2. The property and wealth of the ancient patriarchs 



The Merino Sheep, 



consisted in sheep. From them has descended to us in an 

 almost unbroken line the Spanish merino. The so-called 

 native sheep of America, like our native cattle, have no 

 definite origin ; but the lineage of the merino is ancient 

 and clean ; and this is what gives to the breed its clearly- 

 marked and distinguishing characteristics. The impres- 



