THE DELAINE MEEINO. 69 



Delaine )Mei*ino. 



Is supposed to have sprung from an importation of In- 

 fantados, imported about 1810 by E. W. Meade, part of which 

 in 1820 or 1821 passed into the hands of a Mr. Alexander Reed. 

 Later several parties purchased sheep from Mr. Eeed, and these 

 then became the base for that particular type called the Delaine. 



These were a small sheep originally, but by good feeding 

 and careful selection they soon developed into large-framed, 

 black-topped sheep, with an abundant fleece. 



The mating of the Dickinson Merino with the Meade sheep 

 appears to have been the origin of the new Delaine, and while 

 no one or two individuals can claim to have been the ancestor of 

 this particular class, as the breeders made selection from all the 

 best Merino flocks which had been imported from Spain, there 

 appears to be no doubt that to the Meade or Dickinson stock the 

 chief credit is due. 



In 1882 an association was formed to record all such ani- 

 mals as were eligible to registry in the Register of the Associa- 

 tion, only sheep designated as belonging to the Victor-Beale De- 

 laine Merino were to be admitted to registration. 



' Mature rams should weigh not less than 150 pounds and the 

 €wes not less than 100 pounds. 



Scale of points as given by the Delaine Merino Sheep 

 Breeders Association is as follows: 



Constitution 10 points 



Heavy round the heart 6 points 



Short heavy neck 6 points 



Good dewlap 5 points 



Broad back 8 points 



Well sprung ribs 5 points 



Short legs 6 points 



