354 



FARM ANIMALS 



The Delaines are derived from the Merino by selection with a 

 purpose to improve the mutton quality and to produce a Merino with 



fewer wrinkles, or folds, in 

 the skin. They have suc- 

 ceeded in producing an an- 

 imal fairly good for mutton 

 and having a fleece that is 

 second only to the Merino. 

 The lambs are stronger and 

 develop earlier than the Me- 

 rino. 



The Rambouillet has its 



native home in France. 



FIG. IQI. Delaine. rri L 1 r 



1 here, by selection from 



flocks originating from the Spanish Me- 

 rino, a sheep of larger size has been pro- 

 duced. It does not differ materially in 

 appearance from the Delaine. It has 

 large folds on the neck and breast, but 

 few or none on the body. It is the 

 largest of the Merino family. It is cov- 

 ered with fleece all over the body, as 

 are the other Merinos, but it is whiter 



than the others, owing to the fact that 



. i i -i FIG. 192. Rambouillet. 



the wool is not so oily. 



The Southdown origi- 

 nated in the southern 

 counties of England, a 

 low range of chalky cliffs, 

 called the South Downs, 

 giving the breed its name. 

 This is a small sheep of 

 distinct mutton quality. 

 It has a short fleece. It 

 is a superior feeder, ma- 

 turing rapidl v, and its 

 IMG. i CM. Southdown. mutton holds first place 



