and Extension of the Merino Breed of Sheep. 423 



equal to that of the Merino. This effect is produced by constantly crossing with 

 the finest woolled rams ; and, under that condition, is generally obtained sooner or 

 later, according to the fineness of the fleece of the ewe; but, according to these 

 writers, in no breed later than the 4ih cross. The. finest wool of the cross-breeds 

 does not waste more than three-fifths in scouring. On this subject I shall have 

 occasion to speak more fully in a subsequent part of this essay. 



We are told by Lasteyrie, that, in 1799, there were 500 flocks of French sheep 

 crossed with Spanish rams, many of ihem to the second and third generation. It 

 is supposed that, in the year 1802, there were in France 15,000 sheep of the pure 

 Merino breed; and nearly 1,000,000, the wool of which was meliorated by 

 having been crossed with that race. The eagerness to procure them was extremely 

 great. This appears from the account already given of the great increase in their 

 prices. They had been demanded and obtained by 21 departments; and, at the 

 public sale at Rambouillet, in 1 802, no less than 57 farmers were purchasers. 



From the account which I have thus given, it appears that the Spanish breed 

 of sheep has been much improved in weight, and, probably, fineness of fleece, and 

 has considerably increased in size, by having been naturalized in France. These 

 valuable points have been accomplished chiefly in the four following ways :— ■ 



1st. By choosing for breeding the best and finest woolled rams and ewes. 



2d. By never allowing them to propagate till they have attained their full 

 growth ; which, at the earliest, is not till nearly three years of age. 



3d. By separating the weak from the strong ; and, 



4th. By giving them plenty of good food, and free air and exercise. 



With regard to food, it is certain that the Rambouillet flock is most abundantly 

 supplied. In the summer, they are fed in the field with natural grass, or soiled with 

 clover or lucerne. In the winter they have meadow hay, or lattermath ; clover, 

 lucerne, or vetch hay, or lattermath ; straw, chafF of corn, and oats. The straw is 

 put in their racks, and serves, at the same time, for litter. Some of the sheep have 

 each half a pound of oats daily. They are folded on healthy ploughed land, in dry 

 weather, from the middle of July to the end of October; and are housed during the 

 whole winter in airy buildings; except that they are made to walk outfortwoiiours 

 every day. Some oats are given to the rams during the season of copulation ; and 

 the French think that a great deal of the size and woolliuess of the offspring depends 

 on the vigour of the ram, rather than of the evve. 



