EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 



379 



and thrive and grow fiit liercas in France; but, like all improved breeds 

 of doiiicstic animals, it seemed folly to expect tliem to do well without care 

 or feeding. Any animal brought from a state of high cultivation and a 

 mild temperature to a colder climate and poorer soil will deteriorate, 

 unless extra pains are taken to supply the loss of care and counteract 

 the change of food. The same care given them as in their own coun- 

 try showed that they would thrive and breed and shear and weigh as 

 they did there, almost. The long winter and the necessity of feeding 

 dry food so many months told upon them somewhat. As a cross upon 

 our usual type of Merino, Mr. Eotch considered them very valuable, 

 but quite unfit for the general use as a stock sheep of our farmers at 

 present. With a better husbandry and improved shepherding they 

 may one of these days take their j)lace among us as a breed, but now 

 their crosses are what we must look to.* Mr. Eotch sold his French 

 flock to John D. Patterson in 1856. 



Mr. E. L. Gage, of De Euyter, commenced breeding French Merinos 

 iu September, 1852, his first purchase being of Mr. Taintor, of Connec- 

 ticut. Subsequent purchases were made of Mr. Patterson and Mr. Eotch. 

 His statement as to their management, made January 2, 1862, was pub- 

 lished by Henry S. Eandall in his "Fine-wool Sheep Husbandry." 



Forty is tlie most we had at any one time. The average weight of the ewes' fleeces 

 was 10 pounds 8 ounces, well washed. In addition to hay in winter, we fed them 

 about a pint of a mixture of grain and roots each per day. We also feed a small 

 amount of grain in summer to attract them to the harn at night for their safety from 

 dogs. They were always kept housed in winter except on clear days, when they 

 were allowed to go out or in at will. They were also allowed to go into the shed at 

 will in summer! The French Merinos always afforded us good returns in wool and 

 lambs. The ewes were good nurses, often hearing twins. One full-grown ram 

 weighed from 180 to 225 pounds ; the ewes from 125 to 170 pounds. 



Mr. Gage sold his flock to Mr. Patterson in February, 1861, and com- 

 menced a flock of pure-blood Spanish Merinos of the Atwood and Ham- 

 mond stock, believing them to be the most profitable for all classes of 

 wool-growers, and more easily kept in better condition on short keep 

 and rough usage. 



William Chamberlain, of Eed Hook, Dutchess County, imported 3 

 rams and 86 ewes of the French Merino breed in 1851, and in 1853 and 

 1854 imported two small lots of about 30 each. The shearing record of 

 5 ewes in 1856 is here given : 



•Letter of F. M. Rotch, January 13, 1862, iu 

 bandry." 



'Randall's Fine Wool Sheep Hus- 



