632 SHEEP INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES 



with Bambouillet rams. He determined to engage in breeding these 

 sheep, and on his return to Michigan purchased Mr. Cooley's entire flock 

 at a price far exceeding the means of the average stockbreeder. 



Mr. Grinnell has added to the original flock from time to time by sev- 

 eral importations from France, and has spent much money and given 

 much attention in producing a sheep that equals the meat-producing 

 varieties in size and weight, and also produces the greatest quantity of 

 wool, which is characterized by fineness, beautiful crimp, and unequaled 

 length and strength. He has selected the foods necessary to their 

 highest development, strength of constitution, and precocity, supplied 

 them with an abundance of pure water, and produced ewes that shear 

 from 6 to 10 pounds and rams from 12 to 24 pounds of wool, which, when 

 scoured, gives 50 to 55 per cent from the raw material. The humid 

 climate of Michigan seems particularly adapted to these sheep, and 

 they are growing in favor. They are bred by a number of the most 

 enterprising and wealthy sheepmen of the State, who, desiring to pre- 

 serve the purity of the race and advance the interests of the breed, have 

 organized the American Bambouillet Sheep Association and established 

 a flock record. 



The Bambouillet Association was organized in March, 1890, and the 

 issue of the flock record published in 1891 carried the names of thirty- 

 six breeders and 693 registered sheep. The record lays down these 

 characteristics of Bambouillet sheep and their wool: 



American Rambouillet sheep should have large frame, large, strong bone, well 

 rounded and symmetrical bodies, well up on legs, bright pink skin, always plain 

 and free from wrinkles. Broad head, bright eyes, quick movement, broad backs, 

 and broad chests are indispensable. These sheep have long been noted as a mutton 

 sheep, their fine, juicy flesh having no superior. They are noted for their early 

 maturity and quick feeding properties, being fully equal to the Down breeds in this 

 respect. The rams are usually well horned, but not always, and weigh at maturity 

 from 175 to 250 pounds. The ewes are noted as good mothers, heavy milkers, one- 

 half usually producing twins. They weigh 110 to 150 pounds; wethers attain 150 

 to 200 pounds. Being strong, vigorous, and healthy, their impressive power is very 

 great, and they are not liable to constitutional breakdown in service. They will bear 

 herding in large flocks, and their hardiness permits them to stand all kinds of 

 Aveather without housing. Their fullness of carcass, brightness of look, length of 

 body, vigor of carriage, and great strength make them excellent and reliable repro- 

 ducers, and quick, healthy feeders on the range. The wool is of the finest quality 

 has a beautiful crimp, is usually white, sometimes of a buff color, very compact, 

 opens in large layers, has just yolk enough to promote a rapid and vigorous growth, 

 shows 110 crust formation, seldom any jar hairs, and is always noted for its length, 

 strength, and elasticity. It is from 3 to 5 inches in length ; often 6i inches for one 

 year's growth. Rambonillet sheep should be well wooled to the feet and to the 

 nose. Rams shear annually from 12 to 24 pounds; ewes from 6 to 10 pounds. The 

 wool scours 50 to 55 per cent for the manufacturer, and 110 other Merino wool 

 shows so deep a staple. 



Some shearing records for 1890 are given. The ram Ontario of H. 

 Grinnell's flock, weighing 253 pounds, was shorn of 300 days' growth 

 of wool, weighing 24 pounds 5 ounces, 5-inch staple. The ram Golden 



