60 



EUROPEAN SHEEP. 



quired to preserve them from injurious vicissitudes of heat 

 and cold. The care bestowed upon the fleece was a work 

 of great labor. It was frequently uncovered, not only to as- 

 certain its condition, but for the refreshment of the animal ; 

 it was drawn out, and parted and combed, if it was begin- 

 ning to mat ; it was frequently moistened with the finest 

 oil, and even with wine ; it was well washed three or four 

 times in the year ; the sheep-houses were daily, and almost 

 hourly, washed, and cleaned, and fumigated." 



SPANISH SHEEP, MERINOS, ETC. 



The history of the Spanish Merino sheep, the spread of 

 which in different countries has effected so complete a rev- 

 olution in the character of the fleece, cannot but be a mat- 

 ter of much interest to the American wool-grower ; therefore 

 the compiler has no apology to render for the extended no- 

 tice of this renowned breed, which is here presented. 



At a very early period, it appears from the accounts of 

 several writers,. Spain was possessed of several breeds, the 



