344 I^f- Parry's Essay on the Nature, Produce, Origin, 



from Lasteyrie is at least equal to that of the average of the mere ewes' fleeces 

 the Merino flocks in Spain. Those of the ewes, which have not been impregnated, 

 are heavier than those of the same age, which have not borne lambs during that 

 season. Of the rams fleeces in Spain, it is probable that the medium weight does 

 not exceed seven pounds. 



With regard to all these weights there is great difference, arising from causes, 

 some of which are unknown to us, and others sufficiently certain. To these I shall 

 occasionally advert as I proceed, contenting myself at present with specifying 

 only two. 



There are a great number of Merino flocks belonging to different proprietors, 

 who are chiefly grandees, or societies of monks. Many of these flocks seem to be 

 distinct varieties of the race, differing in the form and size of the carcase, and in the 

 weight and fineness of the fleece. Among them one of the most noted is that of 

 the Count del Campo Alange, which, from another title in the same family, is 

 called Negrettc ; and which, having been the root of that in the possession of our 

 gracious Sovereign, has been by him liberally distributed throughout this island. 

 This flock, which is said to consist of at least sixty thousand sheep, has, according 

 to Bourgoing, the largest carcases and the heaviest fleeces, though of a wool, which, 

 neither by the merchants in the country, nor by foreigners in general, is esteemed 

 the finest. Other celebrated flocks are that of the Duke dc ITnfantado ; that of 

 the Carthusian monastery of Paular, amounting to thirty-six thousand, lately pur- 

 chased by the individual styled the Prince of the Peace ; those of the monasteries of 

 Guadeloupe and the Escurial, and others. Lasteyrie confirms Bourgoing's account 

 of the superior size of the Negrette breed, but says that the race of the Escurial is 

 supposed to have the finest wool of all. The flock of Guadeloupe is remarkable 

 for the good proportions of the carcase, and the weight and fineness of its fleeces ; 

 and in the two last respects it is, on the continent, said to be equalled by the Paular 

 race. 



This variety in the Merino sheep affords, therefore, one essential ground of dif, 

 ference as to the weight of the fleece. 



Another cause of difference, which may also respect different breeds, and which 

 certainly influences different individuals of the same variety, is the proportion of 

 the grease, or yolk, which imbues all wool, but pre-eminently that of the Merino. 

 In consequence of this superabundance, the fleece involves in it, to about one-sixth 



