SHEEP. 



T5 



fleeces, destitute of external gum. The sheep and the wool 

 bear a close resemblace to the Saxon, and if not actually mixed 

 with that blood, they have been formed into a similar variety 

 by a similar course of breeding. 



" Class first are larger and stronger sheep than those orig- 

 inally imported from Spain, and in well-selected flocks or indi- 

 viduals the fleece is of a decidedly better quality."* 



The Merino, although a native of a warm climate, becomes 

 readily inured to the greatest extremes of cold, flourishing even 

 so far north as Sweden without degenerating in fleece or form 

 Fig. 22. 



THE SPANISH MERINO. 



It is patient, docile, hardy, and long lived. Its flesh, in spite 

 of the prejudice which exists on the subject, is short-grained, 

 and of a good flavor when killed at a proper age. It is longer 

 in coming to maturity than most other breeds, and does not 

 attain its full growth till it is about three years old.t 



Kandall. 



t Transactions of New York State Agricultural Society. 



