RAMBOUILLETS. 2OI 



(3) In the first volume of the Record published in 1891, 

 Bernardin's history of the origin of the breed is published in 

 condensed form. 



X. Distribution in the United States. 



(1) Rambouillets are already distributed more 'or less 

 over nearly all the Northern and Middle states, from the 

 Atlantic to the Pacific, and they are now found in several of 

 the Southern states. 



(2) They would seem to be most numerously kept in 

 Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. 



XL Registration in the United States. 



(1) There have been recorded in all about 9,000 animals, 

 of which approximately one-third are males. 



(2) The number recorded would have been greater but 

 for the fact that many of the males sent to the western ranges 

 have not been recorded. 



LEADING CHARACTERISTICS. 



i 



I. Relative size. 



(1) Rambouillets are much the largest of the fine wooled 

 breeds, and they are also heavier than some of the middle 

 wooled breeds. 



(2) The average weight of the rams at maturity when in 

 good flesh is about 175 to 225 pounds, and of the ewes about 

 125 to 175 pounds. 



II. Adaptability. 



(1) Because of their great hardihood they have much 

 adaptation to range conditions where the vegetation is not 

 sparse nor lacking in nutrition. 



(2) For a similar reason they are admirably adapted to 

 arable conditions where valley and broken land alternate and 

 where much meat and fine wool are wanted. 



III. Early maturing qualities. 



(1) As with the other fine wooled breeds these are not 

 more than medium, but 



(2) On the other hand they are noted for longevity. 



(3) In many instances deterioration has not been observed 

 in the wool clip until beyond the age of ten years. 



IV. Grazing qualities. 



(i) These are unexcelled by any breed with so large a 

 frame. 



