EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI KIVER. 219 



most of them were subsequently formed, barring a few peculiarities 

 exclusively New England in their character. The initial movement 

 had for its foundation two Merino sheep. Mr. Watson, who had moved 

 from Albany, IST. T., to Pittsfield in the spring of 1807, says: 



In the fall of 1807 I procured the first pair of Merino sheep that had appeared in 

 Berkshire County, if not in the State. They were the first I had ever seen ; although 

 defective in the grade I was led to expect, yet, as all Trho examined their -wool were 

 delighted with its texture and fineness, I was induced to notify an exhibition under 

 the great elm tree in the pxihlic square in Pittsfield of these two sheep on a certain 

 day. Many farmers, and even women, were excited by curiosity to attend this first 

 novel and humble exhibition. It was by this lucky accident I reasoned thus : If two 

 animals are capable of exciting so much attention, what would be the effect on a larger 

 scale with larger animals ? The farmers present responded to my remarks with ap- 

 probation. We became acquainted by this little incident, and from that moment to 

 the present agricultural societies, cattle shows, and all in connection therewith have 

 predominated in my mind, greatly to the injury of my private affairs. 



As early as 1807 the Shakers at Hancock raised Merino sheep from 

 rams of Humphreys flock, and with one- third and one-half bloods made 

 excellent blue broadcloth. 



A zealous and intelligent breeder of Merino sheep was Col. James 

 Shepherd, of IsTorthampton. In 1810 he bought 1 ram and 11 ewes of 

 Col. Humphreys, which he bred pure for many years, forming an excel- 

 lent flock. In 1822 he added to his flock a pair of Saxonies, the first 

 of the kind imported into the United States. 



The earlier importations of Adams, Livingston, and Humphreys had 

 well established the Merino in the State before the larger importations 

 of 1810-'ll, but they did not attract much attention. The necessities 

 of the country drew public attention to the later importations, and the 

 Merino sheep was then welcomed as a great acquisition and had an 

 early introduction into politics. The production of cotton in the South 

 was shaping the pohtics of the country and its industrial system. The 

 Merino sheep was hailed as the foundation of a manufacturing Industry 

 in the States and welcomed by some as an offset to the growing power 

 of cotton. A few papers of the extreme type enlarged upon this sub- 

 ject, but a quotation from one must suffice : 



The introduction of this most valuable animal promises great and permanent ben- 

 efits to our country, especially to the Eastern States. The Middle and Southern 

 States, from their more bounteous soil and climate, have sources of wealth which we 

 do not possess. True patriotism and true wisdom, which always cooperate together, 

 dictate to us to place our competition with our sister States on means wliioh nature 

 and habit have put in our power, and to make the most of these means. Our hilly 

 country is peculiarly adapted for sheep. The enterprise, frugality, and persevering 

 industry of the inhabitants of New England constitute a complication of powerful 

 machinery, competent, when well directed upon what it operates, to produce the 

 greatest and most beneficial results. The providential acquisition of this inestima- 

 ble animal, one of the greatest blessings which has grown out of the evils of the 

 present times, is in every point of view worthy the attention of all classes of citi- 

 zens, especially farmers. The golden fleece of the Merino sheep presents to every 

 prudent and thrifty farmer a mine of wealth from which he may draw, in proportion 



