THE AMERICAN MERINO 



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breeders, representing different registry associations, was held at 

 Columbus, Ohio, for the purpose of consolidating into one strong 

 organization. This resulted in the incorporation of the American 

 and Delaine-Merino Record Association. By official action the 

 Standard Delaine, the International Delaine, and the Improved 

 Spanish Delaine associations merged into the new organization. 

 This, it is hoped, is the beginning of a movement of consolidation 



FIG. 155. Ringleader 553, a Delaine Merino ram, bred by and shown by 

 A. T. Gamber, Wakeman, Ohio. This ram has never been defeated in 

 the show ring. In 1903, as a yearling, he was first at the state fairs of 

 Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan. Also shown with equal 

 success in 1904. Photograph by the author 



which will result in greatly unifying and strengthening Merino 

 interests. In 1904 about nineteen Merino associations of differ- 

 ent kinds, organized to register sheep, were in existence. Many 

 of these are now very weak organizations, transacting but little 

 business. 



Some famous Merino rams are worthy of note on account of 

 their influence in improving the breed. Among these are the 

 following : Bolivar, born in 1820, died in 1834, owned by W. R. 



