and Extension of the Merino Breed of Sheep. 415 



Subsequently to that period, two other flocks, of from three to five hundred 

 each, have been brought from yVlicant to Trieste. The first of these was about 

 the year 1782. In 1802, a person was in Spain, employed by the Emperor to 

 purchase eight or nine hundred Spanish sheep. Great pains have lately been taken 

 by the government to diffuse the benefits arising from that breed, and to dis- 

 seminate instructions for their improvement, and pre.srrvation from infectious and 

 other diseases. The administration of salt, in damp and cold weather, forms a part 

 of these instructions. 



In the Margraviates of Anspach and Bayreuth, attempts were made to improve 

 the native sheep, by instituting a school for shepherds ; and by introducing, in 

 1788, 40 rams and some ewes, of the Saxo Spanish and Rousiilon breeds. In 

 1790, a second flock was imported from Spain and Rouvsilion, and placed at 

 RolenhofF. At present few flocks exist in the country, which have not begun to 

 be improved by these importations. There were, m the year i/97, at the sheep, 

 yard of RolenhofF, 425 sheep of the pure breed ; and, in the two Margraviates, 

 8191 improved by crossi.ig. The government has taken pains to inform the 

 flock-masters where they inay obtain the best rams, and assists them in the sale of 

 their wools. 



In 1786, the Duke of Wirtemburg procured 100 rams and ewes from Spain and 

 Roussillon ; and, in 1787, 40 Spanish, and 25 Roussillon sheep. This fl )ck was 

 placed at Justingen, and, in 1802, amounted to moie than 500. Part of them are 

 every year sold. Thirty-two of this breed were given by Moreau to the agricul- 

 tural Society of Strasburgh. 



M.de Mrlkhas a large flock of Merinos in Mecklenburgh; and the agricultural 

 society of Zell possesses one of a mixed breed, the wool of which has reached its 

 utmost degree of fineness. 



Some Merino she< p, introduced into the duchy of Brunswick in 1783, and into 

 the Margraviate of Baden in 1788, have improved the wool of those countries, of 

 the Palatinate, of Hanover, &c. 



Few countries appear less adapted to the support of sheep than the rich and 

 marshy soil of Holland; notwithstanding which, M. Twent, in the year 1789, 

 imported from Spain two rains and four ewes, which he placed on his estate at 

 Raaphorlt, between Leyden and the Hague. Part of this estate is sandy and un- 

 productive, part meadow or arable, and the rest coppice or timber. In the year 



