LAW OF VARIATION. 45 



IDroperties. Samples of the wool of these sheep were 

 shown at the great exhibition in London, in 1851, and 

 attracted much attention. It was also shown at the 

 great recent Agricultural Exhibition at Paris. A cor- 

 respondent of the Mark Lane Express, says : 



" One of the most interesting portions of the sheep- 

 show is that of the Mauchamp variety of Merinos, hav- 

 ing a new kind of wool, glossy and silky, similar to 

 mohair. This is an instance of an entirely new breed 

 being as it were created from a mere sport of nature. 

 It was originated by Mons. J. L. Graux. In the year 

 1828, a Merino ewe produced a peculiar ram lamb, hav- 

 ing a different shape from the usual Merino, and pos- 

 sessing a long, straight, and silky character of wool. 

 In 1830, M. Graux obtained by this ram one ram and 

 one ewe, having the silky character of wool. In 1831, 

 among the produce were four rams and one ewe with 

 similar fleeces ; and in 1833 there were rams enough of 

 the new sort to serve the whole flock of ewes. In each 

 subsequent year the lambs were of two kinds ; one pos- 

 sessing the curled elastic wool of the old Merinos, only 

 a little longer and finer ; the other like the new breed. 

 At last, the skillful breeder obtained a flock combining 

 the fine silky fleece with a smaller head, broader flanks, 

 and more capacious chest ; and several flocks being 

 crossed with the Mauchamp variety, have produced 

 also the Mauchamp-Merino breed. - The pure Mauchamp 

 wool is remarkable for its qualities as a combing-wool, 

 owing to the strength, as well as the length and fine- 

 ness of the fibre. It is found of great value by the 



