EAST OP THE MISSISSIPPI EIVER. 495 



lu connection with this standard the blood must be pure from the 

 importation of Merino sheep by Ool. Humphreys, as bred by WilUam 

 E. Dickinson, with a constitution as indicated by physical develop- 

 ment; deep and large in the breast and through the heart, broad back, 

 very heavy square quarters, skin of fine texture and pinkish in color, 

 expansive nostrils, brilliant eye, healthful countenance, and good feed- 

 ers. As to size when in good condition, with fleece of five months' 

 growth, full-grown rams should weigh not less than 175 pounds, and 

 ewes not less than 125 pounds. In general appearance the head should 

 be carried well up, and the sheep stand squarely on feet and legs; the 

 body should be well rounded, showing in all points symmetry of form; 

 heavy boned throughout and well proportioned in length ; smooth joints, 

 ribs starting horizontally from the backbone and well around to breast- 

 bone; breast-bone wide, strong and prominent in front; strong, straight, 

 and heavy back bone; heavy, muscular quarters; shoulders broad 

 and flat, muscles firm and heavy, and body entirely free from folds. 

 There may be a shght throatiness, and a small dewlap — smaller on 

 the ewes than on the rams. The head should be wide, with clear, 

 bright eyes and prominent ears. Ewes should give no appearance of 

 horns, while upon the rams the horns should be well developed, clear 

 in color, and symmetrically curved. The neck should be very heavy, 

 especially with the rams, deepening towards the shoulder; legs me- 

 dium in length, set well apart, with well-shaped, medium-sized feet; 

 the body and legs to the knees covered with medium or fine wool, 

 extending well forward between the eyes. Fleece should be compact, 

 but should open freely, showing a length (at twelve months' growth) of 

 not less than 3 inches, and the oil must be white, flowing free from skin 

 to surface, and form on the exterior a uniform dark coating. 



The part of the original William Berry flock which, in the division of 

 1847, fell to the son of William Berry, was further divided. In 1851 45 

 ewes and 1 ram were sold to John Berry, another brother, of Cecil 

 Township, Washington County. John Berry added to the flock a year- 

 ling ram bred by William Berry. In 1858 he purchased of John Gal- 

 laher, of Fayette County, a yearling ram said to have been sired by a 

 full-blooded Vermont Merino ram out of a Black-Top Merino ewe. This 

 ram was used on part of the flock, but the progeny was not satisfactory, 

 partaking more of the qualities of the Saxony Merino, having a light 

 top and light fleece. Other tests of crosses with Vermont rams were 

 made, but not to his satisfaction. While they give weight to the fleece 

 and in some instances longer wool, they lacked top, and the wool had 

 not the clear white bottom that the pure bred Black-Top had. The 

 cross-bred sheep were rejected as being inferior to his own stock, and 

 he bred rams on his flock from that of his brother, Matthew Berry. In 

 1867 the flock was sold to his two sons, J. M. and C. M. Berry. 



Previous to this sale, however, another brother, William Berry, pur- 

 chased of his father in October, 1863, 55 ewes, which laid the founda- 



