GKOUP OF FRENCH MERINO SHEEl- 



of a finer quality, in proportion to their size, and consequently the cost of keeping, than 

 those under consideration. 



There are, perhaps, some few improved flocks of the old Spanish stock, that will com- 

 pare favorably with the French sheep, for the profitable production of wool ; but the 

 variety to which I have more particular reference is the Silesiau Merino. I send you a 

 cut of a group of Silesian Merino Ewes, which represent them precisely in the same 

 position that they were taken in a daguerreotype view as they were standing in the 

 barn-yard, and can not show all of their good qualities. Still, enough of them are 

 shown so tbat one may judge of the character of the sheep. 



The original stock of these sheep were from the Infjintando flock, imported from Spain 

 in 1811 by a Silesian gentleman who was in every way well qualified for a successful 

 sheep-breeder, and who gave his personal attention to the business. They are about a 

 medium size, well formed, and have every appearance of being hardy animals, often 

 attaining a great age. One ewe of this flock lived to be twenty-one years old. The 

 superiority of these sheep is in the excellence of the fleece, which is much finer, thicker, 

 and evener than the common Merinos of this country. The quality will compare well 

 with many Saxon flocks ; and as to evenness and thickness of fleece, which holds out 

 remarkably Avell on their belly and legs, they have no rivals. The length of staple is 

 somewhat shorter than many other Merino sheep, still they produce a heavy fleece. 

 Their wool is white, crimpy, and oily, which circulates freely to the outer ends, forming 

 a dark surface, which is not only beneficial to the wool, but partially protects them 

 from the storms. 



I am confident these sheep will prove well for farmers living in sections where wool 

 is the greatest object, and who prefer a heavy and fine fleece to a light one. 



It is the prevailing opinion among wool-growers, that in proportion as the wool grows 

 finer the fleece becomes lighter. But in this point I must diff'er from them. It has long 

 been my opinion that as much fine wool can be produced from a given amount ot keep 



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