270 



SHEEP INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES 



regarding the history and tendency of the improvement Mr. Bernard- 

 iiie replied : 



From 1840 the object was to produce Merinos of which the animals were at the 

 same time valuable for slaughtering and for the production of wool. The fleece 

 ceased to be the entirely predominating consideration in the choice reproducing ani- 

 mals. The chief end was plump and well-developed forms, and by a rich regimen 

 animals were obtained, about 1850, having very large weight, but which were very 

 exacting and less robust, and the fleece of which was not in relation with their 

 weight, either as to quantity or quality of wool. The end in view, the mutton, had 

 almost destroyed the folds, which, with the exception of a few subjects, scarcely 

 comprised more than those of the neck, and the result was to diminish the value of 

 the animals in the eyes of foreigners. Shortly after 1850 these errors were renounced, 

 and efforts were made to bring the flock back to its true and ancient type by making 

 choice more with regard to wool, and repudiating the exaggeration of development 

 in the choice of reproducing animals and the superabundant and onerous feeding 

 that had been practiced to attain this end. The Negretti type again acquired im- 

 portance and the folds they bore were no longer excluded, but sought after rather as 

 characters essential to animals furnishing the richest fleeces, and corresponding bet- 

 ter with the desire of foreigners, who came to Rambouillet to seek reproducing ani- 

 mals. It was especially since 1867 that the improvement of the flock has realized 

 marked progress with regard to production of wool, and a return to their primitive 

 aptitude to live exclusively 011 pasture and to support intemperate conditions, and 

 the privations resulting from dry seasons and the natural aridity of pasturage. 



The average weight of unsheared rams has been as follows : 



Pounds. 

 In 1786.. ..110 to 120 



In 1801 

 In 1802 

 In 1847 

 In 1851 

 In 1867 

 In 1878 



114 

 131 



201 



159 



For ewes tiic average weight has been as follows: 



Pounds. 

 In 1786.. ..72 to 88 



In 1801 

 In 1802 

 In 1847 

 In 1851 

 In 1867 



93H 



135, 



In 1878 ...................................................... 115 vV 



In 1786 the height of these sheep ranged from 24 to 30 inches. 

 1801 and 1802 the height, length, and girth were as here shown : 



In 



