350 



SHEEP 



in 1882, fifty-four rams and ewes averaged 23.3 per cent wool 

 to live weight. 



The fineness of Merino fiber has greatly improved since the 

 introduction of this sheep to America. A set of measurements 

 of twenty-four sheep given by Dr. Cutting showed an average 

 diameter of fiber for rams and ewes of TT V^ inch, the rams 

 averaging ^45 and the ewes T sW tne finest ewe fiber being 

 T ^5 T inch. Dr. William McMurtrie, who conducted extensive 

 investigations on wools for the United States Department of 

 Agriculture, gives this table of the comparative diameter of 

 wools of different breeds : 



The mutton qualities of the American Merino are inferior. 

 These sheep are muscular in type and carry but little fat, and 

 when pure-bred are of but secondary importance as mutton. 



The cross-bred or grade American Merino is not improved 

 for wool production, but by mating with middle wool blood a 

 better mutton sheep is produced, though shearing less wool 

 and being less hardy. Sheep of the Delaine type are more or 

 less bred to the American type, thus reducing the folds but not 

 seriously affecting the wool-producing value. In Australia the 

 American type is preferred to the smooth-bodied Merino, while 

 in the United States the reverse is the case. In order, however, 

 to maintain high-shearing qualities, studs of American Merinos 

 must be maintained to thicken up the fleece of the smoother 

 sort and keep up the weight. In New Zealand the Romney 



