348 FUNDAMENTALS OF AGRICULTURE. 



the other hand Merinos are covered with wool of ex- 

 ceeding fineness, and shear very heavy fleeces. From 

 Merino wools are made all the finest fabrics in use, 

 especially for ladies and children. While Merinos do 

 not look so plump as other sheep, yet on the other hand 

 they are really hardier and of longer life than any of 

 the mutton breeds. 



LINCOLN RAMS. 



English Breeds. Of the English breeds there are 

 the " Downs," with their brown or black faces and 

 legs; the Mountain breeds; and the Long Wools with 

 white faces and legs, large bodies and long fleeces, each 

 one adapted to its own particular purpose and living in 

 its particular region. Of the Downs we present illus- 

 tration of a flock of Southdown ewes on pasture. 

 Back of the Hampshire lambs will be seen a peculiar 

 fence of small round saplings, the so-called " hurdles " 

 of England. This is a portable system of fence, and 

 is used to inclose Hampshire lambs upon small bits of 



