GOOD POINTS OF A MERINO AND SAXON. 287 



ever, of quantity, and much of its original hardiness of con- 

 stitution. It is, therefore, for the reasons assigned, the 

 writer is of the opinion that the form of the Merino cannot 

 be essentially altered without perverting the object of nature, 

 and at the hazard eventually of pecuniary loss. If we at- 

 tempt to mould it after the fashion of the true mutton sheep, 

 there is danger that the assimilation of its food will be for 

 the production of more flesh and fat, and a consequent de- 

 terioration of the fleece, and reduction of its weight. Again, 

 if we breed for increase of size, we do not augment profits, 

 as large animals consume proportionally ; and if we adopt 

 the German example, while we improve the appearance of 

 the carcase, and texture of its covering, it will be at the ex- 

 pense of size, and hardiness. Therefore, in accordance 

 with these views, the writer is bound in duty to say to the 

 breeder of the Merino, Be not too anxious to rid the animal 

 of those peculiarities with which nature has endowed it. We 

 may relieve it in some measure, and can do so without sacri- 

 fice, by proper selections of a portion of the superfluous folds 

 of skin about the neck ; and by proper attentions in feeding, 

 it will acquire that rotundity necessary to gratify the eye of 

 taste. Wide chest and an expansive abdomen cannot be 

 efl'ected by mere breeding without also full measure of 

 food. The horizontal springing out of the ribs from the 

 spine in the improved English breeds, is quite as much 

 from this cause as any other. Ill feed the famed Leicester 

 for two successive generations, and think you that its beau- 

 tifully-arched ribs, and capacious abdomen, would be present ? 

 Indeed, it would be the height of absurdity to expect it. 



The best specimens of the Merino present forms well 

 enough for all practical purposes, and it should be our duty 

 to breed from such individuals as will best preserve and trans- 

 mit the admirable properties of its fleece to the latest gene- 

 rations, and not hazard experiments simply because its form 

 is not as perfect as our wishes would have it. 



The qualities of a good Merino ram are as follows : — 

 Wool should appear from the forehead to the fetlocks, and 

 as compact as possible, with due regard to a good length 

 of staple, which is now highly prized by manufacturers ; the 

 fibres spiral or much crimped ; no jar or hairs intermingled 

 with the fleece ; little variation as possible in the qualities 

 of the fleece, as in the genuine Spanish there are but four 

 qualities, the lowest growing about the legs, and this, there- 



