LECTURE LXVIII, 



AMERICAN MERINOS. 



Points to Be Observed in the Judging and Selection 

 of the Same. 



The American Merino is a medium sized sheep, especially 

 noted for its wool production. The head is rather small and 

 hooded with a wool covering right down to the bridge of the 

 nose, which is white and covered with glossy hair. The head 

 of the ram is decorated with large horns marked with trans- 

 verse wrinkles. The horns should spring strong and clear 

 from the head and face. The ears are small, pointed and 

 covered with white wool and hair. The neck is small, but 

 gets a massive appearance from the folds of the skin coverr 

 ing it. The chest is broad and deep down between short, 

 strong forelegs. Its form has been much smoothened during 

 its development in America. The' shoulders should be broad, 

 round and smooth. A strong level back and loin with good 

 spring of rib is also characteristic of this sheep. Its wool 

 covering must be complete. In examining a Merino fleece 

 be sure to have the sheep turned over on its back so that 

 its armpits and inside flanks may be closely inspected. The 

 Merino should bear wool from its nose right to its hoofs, 

 and some even have wool hairs growing out between their 

 toes. 



The fleece should be dense and even, presenting a flat, even 

 pile on the surface. When printed and examined it should 

 be soft to the touch and lustrous to the eye. There should 

 not be a superflous amount of yolk. Just enough to put the 

 wool in the best condition. 



Wrinkles are still in evidence, but the breeders are trying 

 to do away with these as much as possible. 



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