50 FINE WOOL SHEEP HUSBANDRY. 



there was many a choice flock of which no trace can 

 now be found. 



In 1824 a tariff was enacted which imposed a duty 

 of fifteen per centum, ad valorem, on wools costing 

 less than ten cents per pound at the place of export ; 

 twenty per centum on those costing more, until June 

 1, 1825 ; twenty-five per centum from that date to 

 June 1, 1826 ; and thirty per centum afterwards. On 

 manufactures of wool* it imposed a duty of thirty per 

 centum until June 30, 1825, and thirty-three and one- 

 third per centum afterwards. 



The decided protection thus afforded to wool and 

 its fabrics, conspired, with other circumstances, again 

 to turn the attention of farmers to the production of 

 that staple. Among these auxiliary circumstances is 

 to be mentioned the arrival of Saxon sheep in our 

 country. The most extravagant ideas were formed of 

 their value. The country, after so long a rest, was 

 ready for another wool mania, and it set in. 



Introduction of Saxon Merinos. 



The following statement of the Saxon importations 

 was embodied in that report on sheep which, as already 

 mentioned, I made to the State Agricultural Society 

 in 1838. The facts were furnished by one of the 

 members of the committee, the late Henry D. Grove, 

 of Hoosic.f 



* There were some exceptions. On blankets, worsted stuff goods, 

 and woolens not exceeding thirty -three and one-third cents a yard, the 

 duty was twenty-five per cent. ; and on carpets a specific duty of fifty 

 cents a square yard. 



f This gentleman was born and educated to the duties of a shepherd 

 and flockmaster, in Prussian Saxony ; and I am sure I shall give no 

 offence in expressing the opinion that he was the best practical shep- 



