190 AMERICAN HUSBANDRY. 



cross was continued until the Spanish blood was 

 nearly bred out. When the admixture took place 

 with pure-blooded and prime Saxons, it roulttd 

 most favourably. A variety was produced superior 

 to the Merino in form, carrying less wool, but this 

 more than compensated by its fineness. The ex- 

 cessive throatiness of the Paulars disappeared or 

 was greatly diminished. But, unfortunately, these 

 instances of judicious crossing were rare. Our 

 country was flooded by eager speculators with the 

 grade sheep and refuse Merinos of Germany. Fine- 

 ness of wool during the period of this strange excite- 

 ment was made the only test of excellence, no mat- 

 ter how scanty its quantity, no matter how diminu- 

 tive or miserable the carcass. Governed by such 

 views, the holders of most of our Merino flocks pur- 

 chased these pseudo-Saxons, and the consequence 

 was, as might have been foreseen their flocks were 

 ruined. 



SAXON MERINO. 



Tn the year 1765, Augustus Frederic, elector of 

 Saxony, obtained permission from the Spanish court 

 to import 200 Merinos, selected from the choicest 

 flocks of Spain. They were chosen principally from 

 the Escurial flock, and on their arrival in Saxony 

 were placed on a private estate belonging to the 

 elector, under the care of Spanish shepherds. So 

 much importance was attached to the experiment, 

 as it was then considered, that a commission was 

 appointed to superintend the affairs of the establish- 

 ment ; and it was made its duty to diffuse informa- 

 tion in relation to the management of the new breed ; 

 to dispose of the surplus rams at prices which would 

 place them within the reach of all holders of sheep ; 

 and, finally, by explaining the superior value of the 

 Merinos, to induce the Saxon farmers to cross them 

 with their native breeds. Popular prejudice, how- 

 ever, was strong against them, and thi*. was height- 



