^^o History of the Author's 



This calculation implies that the females take the ram at a year and a half old, 

 and not sooner. Were any other rule observed, the difference would be propor- 

 tionable in both cases. 



Perhaps some advantage on the side of the larger breeds would arise from their 

 bein<T somewhat more apt to produce two lambs at a birth. But this difference is 

 confined only to a few sorts ; and would cease as the Merino influence increased. 

 It would, however, be worth while to make the experiment with the Dorset and 

 Mendip breeds, which are the most remarkable of all those in England for this fe- 

 cundity. The result would, certainly, go a short way in compensating the dispro- 

 portion above stated of 1938 to Sz- in favour of the Ryeland breed. 



In making this comparison, I have assumed the influence of the ram's fleece on 

 that of the ewe as being always one-half. Some persons are of opinion that it is 

 greater. If this be true, the proportional benefit would, in both cases, be exactly 

 alike. 



This leads me to observe, that we have no right even a priori to conclude the 

 Merino fleece to be, in any view, the best which can exist on a sheep. Who shall 

 decide, that in point of smallness, strength, and inelasticity of filament, a proper 

 mixture of breeds, in a clima.te and with food adapted to the health of the sheep, 

 may not produce wool superior to the Spanish? I think I shall shew that this is 

 probably the case in the union of the Merino with the Ryeland. 



The importance of the first quality, or fineness of filament, is very generally 

 acknowledged. The second can be consistent with the first only to a certain ex- 

 tent. The first may go to an unprofitable length, in consequence of the waste to 

 •which it must then subject the wool in the manufacture, especially under the harsh 

 and undistinguishing action of machinery, which subdues and tames, if I may so 

 express it, the stiffer and more elastic wools. 



Wi;h regard to the third quality, nothing can more clearly shew the defective 

 application of reasoning to mechanics on this subject, than the continual boast of 

 the wonderful elasticity of Spanish wool. The very term itself is not understood. 

 What is elasticity ? Observe a common bow, which cannot without force have its 

 siraitness changed into an arc, and, when that is removed, with great violence and 

 velocity resumes its original form. This effect is owing to what is called elasticity. 

 In hair there exists a great degree of a smiilar tendency, of wliich fabulists have 

 made a wanton and ridiculous use. It is this very quality of over-elasticity, which 



