DISTRIBUTION 213 



it is yet to be seen to what extent they should be introduced into 

 countries where improved breeds are widely distributed (Fig. 146). 

 Distribution. Several countries have recently become inter- 

 ested in the Karakul on account of the value of the skins of the young 

 lambs. Large numbers have not been brought into the United 

 States because of the long distance from Bokhara, and other diffi- 

 culties incident to getting sheep out of that country. About fifty- 

 four head have been imported and at present the number of pure- 



FIG. 145. Karakul ram. The great gaudy rump consists of a mass of fatty tissue. 



breds cannot be large. The pure-bred rams have been crossed with 

 the well-known breeds of sheep, such as the Merino, Cheviot, Lin- 

 coln, Leicester, and Cotswold. The best Results for fur bearing 

 have been obtained by crossing with the long-wool breeds producing 

 luster wools, and the poorest with the Merino cross. Just how 

 valuable the crosses and grades are* as breeding animals has not 

 yet been definitely determined. It seems, however, that half or 

 three-quarter blood rams, when crossed upon ewes containing no 

 Karakul blood, are of little or no value as sires of fur-bearing lambs. 



