334 AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 



the Merino and Bakewell, that the latter ate the most, and 

 gained the least, in the ratio of two to three. We give the 

 statement as we find it, though it apparently contravenes a 

 fundamental principle, which a knowledge of all the circum- 

 stances of the trial, the peculiarities of the particular animals, 

 &c., might probably explain satisfactorily. The mutton is 

 excellent, and it is probably, not surpassed by that of any 

 other sheep. Lord Somerville claims it as a rule, that the 

 quality of the flesh in each class of sheep, follows that of the 

 wool, and that the flesh of the short and iine-wooled sheep is 

 closer in the grain and more highly flavored than the long- 

 wooled. Sir Joseph Banks says, the London butchers, after 

 having some of their Merinos, eagerly sought for more, from 

 its popularity with their best customers ; and it is certain that 

 the flavor of our mountain fed Merino does not suffer in com- 

 parison with the choicest breeds. 



BREEDING MERINOS. The general principles of breeding 

 cattle and sheep, as laid down by the most approved authori- 

 ties, must be taken with some exceptions, when applied to 

 the Merino. Good form and feeding qualities are desirable 

 in this breed, but they are not as essential as with the others. 

 Wool is the great object, and if this be sufficiently fine, even 

 and abundant, something may be abated in the perfection of 

 form. Early maturity, so much sought after in the mutton 

 sheep, cannot be reconciled with the great longevity, and 

 the prolonged productive powers of the Merino. We must 

 content ourselves therefore, with slowly engrafting such im- 

 provements on the breed, as can be effected without prejudice 

 to his other good qualities, and look to his crosses with others 

 for such qualities as are irreconcilable with his nature. It 

 is considered indispensable to the improvement of the Merino, 

 that it be not bred too young. A vigorous ewe may bring 

 her first lamb at two years old, but it is better that it be 

 deferred till three. The ram should never be used till his 

 second year ; and then but sparingly. From 24 to 6 years 

 old is deemed the most vigorous age, though many may be 

 safely used till 8 or 10, and occasionally later. Both ewes 

 and rams have been known to breed till 20 years old. 



TJie ram should be large, stout and well made, carrying 

 his weight as compactly as possible. The nose should be 

 convex ; the face covered with a soft velvety hair ; the eye 

 lively and prominent ; the veins near the lachrymal glands, 

 of a clear red ; the horns rough ; short neck ; pendant dew- 

 lap not objectionable ; full chest , broad shoulders ; broad, 



