CHAPTER III 



BREEDS OF SHEEP 



The breeds of sheep are commonly divided into 

 three classes on the basis of the character of the wool. 

 These classes are the fine, medium, and long wool. 

 The Merino breed includes all the fine wools, and the 

 medium and long wools are sometimes referred to 

 collectively as coarse wools, which they are by com- 

 parison with the Merino types. The Merino has 

 been bred in nearly all parts of the world, and many 

 breeders have given special features to their flocks 

 that might entitle them to a special name, but 

 they have all continued to be called Merinos, though 

 at times with words prefixed to designate their pe- 

 culiar characteristics. Improved sheep, other than 

 fine wools, include at least twenty-five distinct breeds. 

 These represent separate successful endeavors to 

 produce an animal of special size, form, or such pe- 

 culiarities in manner of growth and feeding as adapt 

 them to the special needs of the localities in which 

 they have been developed. The need of these special 

 adaptabilities is much more pronounced when meat 

 production is considered than when the aim is chiefly 

 to produce a high quality of wool. The production 



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