612 



SUCCESSFUL FARMING 



produce a fleece of finest quality. In developing this type some breeders 

 did not overlook the mutton qualities, while others did. The Spanish 

 .Mr lino was the foundation of the three classes of Merinos as they exist 

 today. The three classes are A, B and C. This classification is based on 

 differences in conformation, character of fleece, and number and disposition 

 of wrinkles or folds on the sheep. 



The Merino blood must predominate on our western ranges because of 

 the gregarious nature of this breed. They have great constitution and 

 vigor and are much less susceptible to parasitic trouble than the breeds of 

 the mutton type. They can be kept in smaller quarters and the ewes do 

 not need as much care at lambing time as ewes of the mutton breeds. They 

 are lacking greatly in mutton qualities, and there is a strong demand for 



A Typical Flock of Sheep in Pasture. 1 



the dual purpose animal. The Merino will not be supplanted, but as the 

 demand for mutton becomes stronger, they will no doubt be supplemented 

 very largely by the mutton breeds. 



Establishing a Flock. — Sheep may be kept profitably on either high 

 or low-priced land. On the high-priced lands of England sheep are found 

 in great numbers and they would certainly not be kept if they were not 

 profitable. Sheep do best on slightly rolling land where dry footing pre- 

 vails. They get more sustenance and at the same time do the land more 

 good than any other class of livestock. The manure from sheep contains 

 more fertilizing value per ton than any other kind of farm manure with 

 the exception of poultry. 



1 Court osy of The Macmillan Company, N. Y, From "Crops and Methods for Soil Improve- 

 ment," by Agee. 



