THE AMERICAN MERINO. 185 



(2) They were imported into France in 1786, and there 

 they have been much improved, more especially in size and 

 in weight of fleece. 



(3) They were imported into Australia about the begin- 

 ning of the century and now they are more numerous there 

 than in any other country. 



IV. The first importation of the Spanish 

 Merino was made into England by George III in 

 1791, but 



(1) Though backed by numerous and influential patrons 

 of the breed, they have never come into general favor, owing 



(2) To their deficiency in mutton qualities. 



(3) For the same reason they have never become popular 

 in Canada. 



V. Importations into the United States. 



(1) The first traceable importation of Merinos into the 

 United States was made by Col. David Humphreys of Derby, 

 Conn., in 1802. 



(2) Other importations followed quickly, and on the dis- 

 persion of many of the Spanish flocks during the wars with 

 the French, many thousands were imported, more especially 

 in 1810 and 1811. 



VI. All the varieties and sub-varieties of 

 Merinos in the United States are of Spanish origin. 



(1) They may be classified as American Merino, Delaine 

 Merino and Rambouillets or French Merino. 



(2) The American Merinos are possessed of all the valu- 

 able essentials of the Spanish Merino and these have been 

 greatly improved upon. 



(3) The Delaine families are offshoots of the American 

 Merinos and have a longer fleece and an improved mutton 

 form. 



(4) The Rambouillets are the offshoots of Spanish 

 Merinos, much increased in size by long years of careful 

 breeding. 



VII. Improvements made in the United 

 States. 



(1) The Merino has been greatly improved in size, form, 

 mutton qualities and weight of fleece since it was first 

 imported into America. 



(2) This improvement has been brought about through 

 selection, breeding and improved conditions of keep. 



