THE WOOL BREEDS OF SHEEP 371 
455. Uses of American Merino sheep. — American 
Merinos surpass all others in the production of a fine, strong 
and heavy fleece. Mature ewes frequently shear twelve 
to fifteen pounds, and rams should attain to twenty pounds. 
Plumb, quoting from a Vermont report, says that in 1812, 
the best rams in Vermont produced but 6 per cent of wool 
to weight of body. In 1844, the wool had increased to 
15 per cent, in 1865 to 21 per cent and in 1880 to 36 per 
cent, showing a very notable increase in the production of 
wool. Unfortunately we do not know what the increase 
in per cent of scoured wool has been. 
The American Merino does not usually fatten so readily 
as other types of the Merino; and when compared with 
the mutton breeds it is inferior. 
In the West, the American Merino was largely instru- 
mental in transforming the coarse and_ thin-wooled 
Mexican ewe into one of far better and heavier fleece, 
with also better form and increased hardiness. The 
American Merino has been much used for crossing in 
this country and others, and the result is invariably an 
improvement in wool-production in the grade over its 
other parent. Merino ewes are crossed with some of 
the middle-wool breeds to produce a good market mutton 
sheep, yielding a somewhat smaller clip of wool. 
456. Distribution. —In America, the American Me- 
rino is widely scattered, and does well under very diverse 
conditions. It is hardy and active, and can glean a living 
under unfavorable conditions. It has been largely ex- 
ported to Australia and Africa. In Australia, Merinos 
are bred pure. In New Zealand, they are largely inter- 
mixed with sheep of mutton type. 
457. Organizations and records. — The Merino has 
suffered from an overabundance of distinct -organiza- 
