2OO THE STUDY OF BREEDS. 



increased from 50 to 100 per cent over that of the old Spanish' 

 Merino. 



(2) Greater density has been secured in the fleece without 

 any deterioration in the quality of the wool, and its weight 

 has also been increased from 50 to 100 per cent. 



(3) The stamina and breeding qualities have also been 

 greatly improved. 



V. Distribution in other countries. 



(1) Rambouillets have been exported to many countries 

 in Europe, to the United States, Australia, Argentina and 

 New Zealand, and 



(2) They have been thus introduced into these countries 

 chiefly to effect improvement in the wool product of other 

 classes of sheep. 



VI. Introduction into the United States. 



(1) From 1840 to 1860 several importations were made 

 into the United States from France and were distributed 

 chiefly in Vermont, New York and Michigan. 



(2) In the decade following the civil war, Rambouillets 

 in their purity, in a great measure, disappeared because of the 

 little premium put upon mutton qualities. 



(3) Within the last two decades there has been a great 

 revival in importing and breeding Rambouillets. 



VII. Crosses made. 



(1) Rambouillets have been extensively used in crossing 

 on the Spanish Merino flocks, pure and graded, to secure 

 increased size and vigor. 



(2) These crosses have been most extensively made in 

 California, Utah and Kansas. 



(3) They have increased the length of the staple and also 

 the weight of the scoured fleece. 



VIII. Introduction on Western ranges. 



(1) Rambouillets are now in high favor for crossing upon 

 mixed types on the ranges of the west. 



(2) The cross increases the weight of the fleece without 

 impairing the mutton qualities of range stocks or their hardi- 

 hood. 



IX. Organizations. 



(1) Associations have been formed for the protection of 

 Rambouillets on the continent of Europe and in the United 

 States. 



(2) The American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders' Associa- 

 tion was organized at Pontiac, Mich., in 1889. 



