60 



EUROrEAN SHEEP. 



quired to preserve them from injurious vicissitudes of heat 

 and cold. The care bestowed upon the fleece was a work 

 of great labor. It was frequently uncovered, not only to as- 

 certain its condition, but for the refreshment of the animal ; 

 it was drawn out, and parted and combed, if it was begin- 

 ning to mat ; it was frequently moistened with the finest 

 oil, and even with wine ; it was well washed three or four 

 times in the year ; the sheep-houses were daily, and almost 

 hourly, washed, and cleaned, and fumigated." 





._.. -'^V^s 





■^^^^M^r'M 



SPANISH SHEEP, MERINOS, ETC. 



The history of the Spanish Merino sheep, the spread of 

 which in different countries has effected so complete a rev- 

 olution in the character of the fleece, cannot but be a mat- 

 ter of much interest to the American wool-grower ; therefore 

 the compiler has no apology to render for the extended no- 

 tice of this renowned breed, which is here presented. 



At a very early period, it appears from the accounts of 

 several writers, Spain was possessed of several breeds, the 



