^ Col. Humphreys on a new Variety 



fastidious spectators, might be considered its opposite. The 

 unfavourable appearance of Merinos, according to the gene- 

 rally received ideas of handsome proportions in sheep, is 

 understood to have operated considerably in retarding their 

 spread in France and England, as well as in a smaller degree 

 in the United States of America. 



The breed of ancons w^as expected to be a valuable acqui- 

 sition, on account of their being less able than others to get 

 over fences. 



In New England, beyond which they have rarely migrated, 

 ^there are few commons : no hedges : no shepherds : and no 

 dogs, whose business it is to watch flocks. The small freehold 

 estates are enclosed by fences of wood or stone. These are 

 frequently too low to prevent active sheep from breaking out 

 of pastures, into meadows, or grounds under cultivation. Crops 

 -are injured. Farmers discouraged. Hopes were entertained 

 that this evil would be remedied. It has been in part. 



To countervail this advantage, the drovers have complained 

 of the great difficulty of driving these cripples to market ; and 

 the butchers, that the carcase is smaller and less saleable, than 

 that of our common breeds. Perhaps, it is commonly not so 

 fat. I have perceived little difference in the taste of the mut- 

 ton ; and presume, if served at table in equal condition, it would 

 hardly be distinguished by better judges. They have been 

 remarked not to fatten so easily, possibly owing to less facility 

 or industry in gathering food, or to some fault in the organic 

 system. 



Since the introduction of Merinos, which are equally 

 gregarious, quiet, and orderly, probably better feeders, and 

 with greater disposition to take fat, and more highly recom- 



