1 88 THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



VIII. Breeding qualities. 



(1) Merinos are not noted for their prolificacy, nor are 

 the dams really first-class milkers or mothers, but 



(2) They breed profitably to a greater age than some 

 other breeds. 



IX. Wool production. 



(1) The pure Merino produces beycnd all comparison the 

 finest wool grown on this continent. 



(2) It also produces the heaviest fleece in proportion to 

 the live weight of the animal. 



(3) The average weight of the fleece from the matured 

 ram may be put at fifteen to twenty pounds and of the matured 

 ewe at twelve to fifteen pounds, according to type. 



PRINCIPAL POINTS. 



I. In the absence of an authorized scale of 

 points the following is submitted : 



(1) Size Medium for the breed, with a decided leaning 

 to increase. 



(2) General Outline Parallelogrammic, but a nearer 

 approach to the cylindrical would be desirable. 



(3) Head Medium in size, but strong in the ram, broad 

 above the eyes, wedge-shaped and covered nearly all over with 

 wool which almost hides the eyes. 



(a) Nose, short and wrinkly. 



(b) Ears, small and of moderate erection, with a coat of 

 soft, mossy hair about half way to the roots, the remainder 

 covered with wool. 



(c) Horns, in the rams only, of considerable size, angular 

 at the base and projecting spirally outward. 



(4) Neck Inclining to short and thick, almost throaty, 

 especially in the rams. 



(a) Flatness in the neck should be avoided. 



(b) In both sexes it is frequently wrinkled, but especially 

 in the rams, and both have more or less of dewlap. 



(5) Back Wide, straight and level. 



(a) High withers and a high pelvis are to be guarded 

 against, and 



(b) A sharp spinal column is equally objectionable. 



(6) Forequarters Of equal development with the hind- 

 quarters. 



(a) Withers not narrow nor sharp, as they are in some 

 instances. 



(b) Shoulders, plump and rounded out and blending 

 nicely with the neck. 



