218 On Tunis Sheep, 



advantage, either as to cleanness of wool or health of the 

 sheep. In the crosses, pains should be taken to select 

 breeders of the best forms and fleeces. From careless- 

 ness in this respect, many persons have injured the cha- 

 racter of this sheep, and its fleece. It is as vain to ex- 

 pect good fleeces from a starved, neglected, or ill as- 

 sorted, flock ; as it is to count on a good crop, from a 

 poor, and ill managed field. I am convinced that the 

 wool of this sheep has never been properly known or 

 appreciated; the mutton having been the object. I have 

 now as fine, and as white, home-made blankets, and 

 have seen as fine flannel, made from the white wool of 

 spotted fleeces, as those made of any other wool usually 

 devoted to such purposes ; there being always as much 

 white wool, as will answer for every fabric requiring 

 it. In the dressing of blankets and flannels, we are yet 

 much behind the Europeans. 



2. They are hardy ; and will bear either cold or heat, 

 better than any others within my knowledge. I have, 

 on a small scale, (never less in number than one or two 

 score ; and frequently from 80 to 100) had an interest 

 in, and kept, sheep, of every breed known in this 

 country, for a period of 45 years — some breeds recent- 

 ly introduced, and the Merino, excepted. I never knew 

 a hardier sheep, than are those of the Tunis breed. 

 Were I to point out (in my estimation) the proper form, 

 size, and valuable points and qualities of a sheep, I could 

 not more justly designate them, than by exactly de- 

 scribing my old ram caramelli. 



3. They fatten with less food, and much quicker, 

 thati any other sheep. That other sheep become as fat, 

 I know : but more time and food are required, so to 



