THE BREEDS OF SHEEP 267 



Class C. Are smooth with the exception of a slight sug- 

 gestion of wrinkles about the neck. 



Delaine (Fig. 133). These are distinguished from the 

 American Merinos by greater size, rams weighing 140 to 200 

 pounds, and ewes 100 to 150 pounds, and a better mutton 

 form, the smoothness of which is enhanced by the almost 

 complete absence of wrinkles (Class C). The head may 

 be either horned or polled, depending upon the numerous 

 subfamilies within the breed. The fleece is not so fine 

 and crimpy, nor so rich in yolk as that of the American , 

 but the staple is longer and stronger, and the fleece weighs 

 from nine to eighteen pounds. 



Rambouillet. This is the largest of the Merinos, and 

 combines so much of the fine wool character with size and 

 mutton form as to constitute a dual-purpose sheep (Fig. 134) . 

 Rams weigh 175 to 180 pounds and ewes 140 to 160 pounds. 

 This sheep is rather upstanding, but has a well-formed 

 mutton body. The head is of good size, with a strong 

 nose, and usually, though not always, large spiral horns 

 in the male, though none in the female. The fleece com- 

 pletely covers the sheep as in the case of the other Merinos 

 and is fine, dense and white, comparatively free from an 

 excess of yolk, has a three-inch staple, and shears from ten 

 to fifteen pounds. Evidence of constitution and hardiness 

 should be a feature of this breed. 



