MANNEE OF KEEPING IT. 221 



In Spain the Merinos are kept in vast flocks, and divided into two 

 general heads, the stationary and the migratory. The former animals 

 remain in the same locality during the whole of their lives, but the 

 latter are accustomed to undertake regular annual migrations. The 

 summer months they spend in the cool mountainous districts, but as 

 soon as the weather begins to grow cold the flocks pass into the warmer 



The Merino or Spanish Sheep. 



regions of Andalusia, where they remain until April. The flocks are 

 sometimes ten thousand in number, and the organization by which they 

 are managed is very complex and perfect. Over each great flock is 

 set one experienced shepherd, who is called the " mayoral," and who 

 exercises despotic sway over his subordinates, Fifty shepherds are 

 placed under his orders, and are supplied with boys and intelligent 



Under the guardianship of their shepherds, the Merino sheep, which 

 have spent the summer in the mountains, begin their downward journey 

 about the month of September; and after a long and leisurely march 

 they arrive at the pasture-grounds, which are recognized instinctively 

 by the sheep. In these pasturages the winter folds are prepared, and 

 here are born the young Merinos, which generally enter the world in 

 March or the beginning of April. Toward the end of that month the 

 Sheep begin to be restless, and, unless they are at once removed, will 

 often decamp of their own accord. Sometimes a whole flock will thus 

 escape, and, guided by some marvellous instinct, will make their way 

 to their old quarters, unharmed, except perchance by some prowling 

 wolf, who takes advantage of the shepherd's absence. 



The very young lambs are not without their value, although they 

 furnish no wool, for their skins are prepared and sent to France and 

 England, where they are manufactured into gloves, and called by the 

 name of " kid." 



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