364 



SHEEP 



The wethers mature fairly early and sell at a comparatively satis- 

 factory price in the market, being in demand on account of usually 

 being not over fat. They will not dress out quite so well as the 

 true mutton type, but show a fair per cent of carcass to offal. In 

 1882 McClelland Brothers of Pennsylvania sheared 100 three- 

 year-old wethers that averaged eleven pounds washed Delaine 

 wool, after which the sheep on the market weighed 1 io^ pounds 

 each. In 1884, in Pittsburg market, James McClelland sold a 

 car load of three-year-old wethers that averaged 114^ pounds 

 and brought seven cents per pound on the hoof. 



The breeding quality of the Delaine is distinctly superior to the 

 American Merino. Breeders have sought to produce better breed- 

 ing stock, — more prolific, larger milkers, and better mothers. 

 This will apply generally to the Delaine type. The lambs also 

 are more robust at birth and more readily raised. 



The cross-bred or grade Delaine is valued on the range. Pure- 

 bred rams used on range ewes give a better mutton sheep and 

 are better suited to the range trade than where American Merino 

 rams are used. Many Delaine rams have been shipped West for 

 this purpose. 



The Delaine as a feeder ranks at the head of the Merino group, 

 though not equal to the mutton breeds. The lambs at twelve months 

 may be turned on the market, weighing eighty pounds or so. 



The adaptability of the Delaine is not equal to that of the 

 American Merino, for it lacks the rustling qualities to some 

 extent. Delaines will do well in mountainous districts where 

 grass is abundant; in fact they have had their greatest develop- 

 ment in the hills of Pennsylvania and Ohio. They also do well 

 on rolling lands where food is abundant. 



The distribution of the Delaine is widespread in the United 

 States, and is constantly growing. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, 

 New York, and Iowa have many flocks, notably the two former 

 states. The Black Top is found more especially in Pennsylvania 

 and the Dickinson in Ohio. The distribution of the smooth- 

 bodied Merino is sure to grow in favor, on account of the ease of 

 shearing and the objection to the American Merino on this point. 



Organizations to promote the Delaine Merino began in 1882 

 with the Victor-Beall Delaine Merino Sheep Breeders' Association 



