76 DOMESTIC ANIMALS. 



3. The Saxon Merino Breed. The Saxon Merinos are de- 

 scended from the Spanish, having been imported from Spain 

 into Saxony in 1765. They have been considerably modified 

 by their German breeding, the German shepherds having 

 sacrificed hardiness, and indeed almost everything else, to fine- 

 ness of staple. 



There are very few flocks of pure Saxon sheep in the United 

 States, the importations in several instances having been grade 

 sheep, although sold as pure stock. Most flocks have again 

 been crossed with Native or Spanish Merino sheep or with 

 both ; but the mixed breed thus produced, which we may call 

 the American Saxons, have so long been bred toward the Sax- 

 ons, that their wool equals that of the pure breed. They are 

 hardier than the parent German stock, but still comparatively 

 tender, requiring regular supplies of good food, protection from 

 storms of all kinds, and good shelter in winter. In docility, 

 patience under confinement, late maturity, and longevity, they 

 resemble the Spanish Merinos.* 



4. The New Leicester Breed. This celebrated English breed 

 comprehends the most excellent of the breed of Mr. Bakewell, 

 their great improver, and of Mr. Culley's variety or improve- 

 ment upon it. " The principal recommendations of this 

 breed," Culley says, " are its beauty and its fullness of form ; 

 in the same apparent dimensions greater weight than any other 

 sheep ; an early maturity and a propensity to fatten equaled by 

 no other breed ; a diminution of the proportion of offal, and 

 the return of the most money for the food consumed." 



"The wool of the New Leicester," according to Randall, "is 

 long, averaging, after the first shearing, about six inches, and 

 the fleece of the American animal weighs about six pounds. It 

 is of a coarse quality, and is little used in the manufacture of 

 cloths. As a combing wool, however, it stands first, and is 

 used in the manufacture of the finest worsteds, etc." 



In England, the mutton of this breed is in great demand, and 



* Randall. 



