EXPLANATION 



SEVERAL PLATES. 



PLATE I. 



TH E annexed plate represents one of the most 

 perfect Merino Rams which has been sent out of 

 Spain. He was supposed to combine all the superior 

 qualities of the Spanish sheep, with the fine square 

 form of the English.* 



* From the specimens which have been imported into the 

 United States, the Merino breed is rather smaller than that of 

 New-England, not so well shaped, having a larger head, a longer 

 neck and legs, and smaller . body, flat-sided, narrow across the 

 hips, and an unnatural throatiness, descending from the chin to 

 the breast bone, not unlike the loose, flacid dewlap of an ox : the 

 rams have commonly large spiral horns, full 'and lively eyes, 

 and an intelligent countenance ; a soft, loose and thin skin of a 

 bright carnation, or vivid flesh colour, covered with a thick, close 

 pile of wool greatly superior in fineness and flexibility to that of 

 any other sheep. On the outside, and for half an inch within, the 

 wool has a dark greasy appearance, owing to the quantity of yolk 

 or grease it contains, which absorbs the dirt of the soil on which 

 the sheep are kept, whilst on the inside it has a bright white 

 colour slightly tinged with yellow. 

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