378 



THE B SEEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



of hardiness. The truth is, perhaps, that the Rambouil- 

 lets, being larger than American Merinos, require more 

 food, which was not always given them. About 1890, a 



revival of interest in the 

 breed occurred, and since 

 then it has greatly increased 

 in distribution and in esteem. 

 The later breeders have not 

 found the Rambouillet to 

 lack in hardiness. Much 

 blood from the German flock 

 of Baron F. Von Homey er 

 has been mingled with the 

 bloods of France, and nu- 

 merous importations from each country have been made. 

 The Franco-Merinos represent the blood of the Ram- 

 bouillet and the American 

 Merino. 



466. Description. The 

 most striking difference be- 

 tween the Rambouillet and 



FIG. 75. Rambouillet ram. 





the American Merino is in 



size (Figs. 75, 76). Rams 



at maturity will average in 



weight 175 to 185 pounds, 



and ewes should average 140 



to 160 pounds. Individuals, 



both male and female, may 



go as much as a hundred pounds heavier. This large 



body, usually smooth and free from wrinkles, except 



perhaps, one or two folds on the neck, is completely 



covered with a fine white fleece, not bearing too much 



oil. The fleece should be dense, and the staple about 



FIG. 76. Rambouillet ewe. 



