The Shepherds^ Giiick, 9 



most recommend sheep to the grazier and butcher; 

 yet his defects in these respects are to be attributed 

 rather to neglect in breeding, and hard usage, 

 than to natural constitution ; as among them many 

 well-shaped animals are to be found, and by 

 judicious selection in breeding, good keep, and 

 comfortable shelter, all may be so far improved as 

 to satisfy the most prejudiced eye. This is an 

 observation made in every country into which he 

 has been introduced, but has been most particu- 

 larly exemplified in the French national flock at 

 Rambouillet, by some gentlemen in England, 

 particularly by Lord Somerville ; and by Chan- 

 cellor Livingston in this country, whose sheep 

 from the Rambouillet flock, have increased con- 

 siderably in size under his judicious and careful 

 management, whilst at the same time they have 

 preserved the fineness and other qualities of the 

 wool unimpaired. 



I have ventured to assert that the wool of the 

 Merino is that, without which the superfine cloths 

 of Europe cannot be made. It is known, however, 

 that other animals as well as some breeds of sheep, 

 such as those of Shetland, Iceland, and Cash- 

 mire, carry finer wool than the Merino, but the 

 fine wool of the two first exists but in small pro- 

 portion to the whole fleece, and is so mixed with 

 coarse long hair, as to unfit it for any considera- 

 ble mcinufacture ; we know too little of the Cash- 

 mire sheep to say how far they may rival the 



