PREFACE. vil 



undertaking, I acknowledge myself under deep obliga' 

 tions, and doubtless this will be the response of every 

 reader. The Appendix cannot be otherwise regarded 

 than as a valuable portion of this work. 



The portraits of the several breeds of sheep were sub- 

 mitted to a number of competent judges, and pronounced 

 faithful representations. In reference to that of the Span- 

 ish Merino, it, with one other, was forwarded to the Hon. 

 Wm. Jarvis, of Vermont, who pronounced it " a fair like- 

 ness of a Merino in high order, and with a long fleece." It 

 will be apparent to every one, that an American Merino 

 portrait would be inappropriate in treating of Spanish 

 Merinos. All the cuts were drawn from life, and mostly 

 by the celebrated animal painter, Harvey, of London. 



In conclusion, I have chosen very frequently to give 

 the very language of my authorities, rather than my own, 

 except when condensation became necessary. For. any 

 one individual to write an original work of this charac- 

 ter, embracing such a variety of topics, of course is im- 

 practicable ; thexefore the course adopted I believed to be 

 best, because it would be likely to have more weight with 

 the reader. My object has been to bring before the pub- 

 lic a strong- work — authentic, if possible, in every partic- 

 ular, and worthy to be trusted and appealed to upon any 

 question and point of importance ; and lastly, I have en- 

 deavored to convey everything in language simple and 

 unadorned, to suit the capacity of the humblest of my 

 brother wool-growers, for whose benefit chiefly this was 

 ■written. To these, and all others engaged in this honor- 

 able vocation, I appeal for a decision upon its merits, 

 which, if favraable,! will afford me a degree of pleasure 

 not easily conceived, and terminating only with life. 



