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HANDBOOK OF CONNECTICUT AGRICULTURE. 



The early settlers brought the common sheep of England 

 with them. Britain had then many distinct breeds, but un- 

 improved, producing coarse or medium wool well adapted to 

 home manufacture, hardy and prolific. Black sheep or a dark 

 brown were quite common and were favorites, as the wool 

 needed no coloring. 



But a great change took place in 1802 when Gen. David 



ANGORA GOATS. 

 Owned by the late Hon. James A. Bill, Lyme. 



Humphreys of Derby imported two hundred Merino sheep 

 from Spain. The laws of Spain did not allow the export of 

 these sheep, but Gen. Humphreys, our minister to Spain, was 

 permitted to bring with him a flock of these sheep that 

 wrought a greater revolution in agriculture in America and 

 the world than any other incident in history. 



Consul William Jarvis from Vermont in 1809 obtained 



