18 The S'hepherch'^ Guide, 



keep, and proper management, in any point we 

 wish. Where large sheep are desirable, we may 

 increase the size, without any deterioration of the 

 wool, as has been done at Rambouillet in France ; 

 or where our pastures are best adapted to small 

 sheep, we may confine our attention solely to fine- 

 ness of fleece, to the equal distribution of fine 

 wool over the carcase, and to the increase of the 

 weight of the fleece in proportion to the size of 

 the animal. Such is the character of the Merino, 

 which he preserves in all its excellence, both of 

 wool and carcase, in all the variety of climates to 

 which he has been introduced^ but which, with 

 due attention, may be greatly improved in the 

 quantity of wool as well as in the fineness of pile, 

 in the size of the animal, in the symmetry and 

 beauty of his form, and in his disposition to fat- 

 ten : qualities which must surely recommend this 

 race to every prudent and intelligent farmer. 

 For notwithstanding the great number of Meri- 

 nos which have lately been introduced into this 

 country, the consequent fall in the price of the 

 sheep, as well as the present glut of wool, and the 

 low state of our manufactures ; which, for a short 

 time may make it difficult to get rid of either to 

 great advantage ; and which have rendered his 

 importation an unfortunate speculation to the 

 merchant : still it requires no great skill in arith- 

 metic to prove that rearing ?*'Ierino sheep, is the 

 most profitable business the farmer can engage 



