THE AMERICAN MERINO. 187 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) In general adaptability no breed on the continent has 

 shown itself equally flexible, and this will apply both to climate 

 and food products, but 



(2) They are specially fitted to "rough it" under con- 

 ditions of privation as to food and shelter. 



(3) They have a higher adaptation to the production of 

 wool than of mutton, but their mutton producing qualities are 

 being continually improved. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) Though improved in this respect, they are yet behind 

 the other pedigreed breeds in early maturity, but on the other 

 hand they are ahead of them in longevity. 



(2) An average Merino does not become fully matured 

 until between three and four years old. 



IV. Grazing qualities. 



(1) As grazers they are entitled to a first place. 



(2) They will eat almost any kind of herbage, however 

 dry, in the summer season. 



(3) Their active habits peculiarly adapt them for grazing 

 on broken lands and wide ranges, where they must travel much 

 to secure their food. 



V. Feeding qualities. 



(1) In feeding qualities Merinos are not equal to some of 

 the other breeds, as they cannot be made to gain so quickly 

 as a rule, but 



(2) They feed better probably than any breed when con- 

 fined to a ration of dry hay and corn. 



VI. Quality of the meat. 



(1) Much of the meat of the pure Merino is lacking in 

 tenderness, juiciness and flavor, and it has much bone in pro- 

 portion to the meat, but 



(2) The quality of the meat has greatly improved during 

 recent years. 



VII. Value in crossing and grading. 



(1) The Merino has been found peculiarly valuable for 

 crossing upon common grades, where more and finer wool 

 was wanted, but 



(2) When crossed upon pure-breds, improvement in 

 wool production is often counteracted by impaired mutton 

 qualities. 



