Breeds of Sheep 47 



reach large weights, rams sometimes weighing three 

 hundred pounds. It is the size and growthiness 

 and the mutton qualities of this breed that have 

 given them wide popularity in ranching sections. 

 Sheep ranchmen usually prefer stock with the Meri- 

 no's proclivities to keep together in bands, because 

 this reduces the danger of losing sheep by their 

 becoming separated from the band in charge of the 

 shepherd and falling prey to predatory animals. As 

 would naturally be expected, the improvement of 

 the size and body of the Rambouillet has not per- 

 mitted the development of fleece found where wool 

 has been the sole object sought for, while there are 

 some sheep in the breed with staple of fair length 

 and exceedingly fine, and the number of flocks with 

 fleshy bodies and long, fine fleece is on the increase. 



The Rambouillet is a smooth-bodied sheep as a 

 rule, except for a few folds about the neck, and a 

 wrinkle in the skin on the sides of the tail-head is 

 preferred by some breeders. The rams have large 

 and strong horns, a regular spiral curve being desired. 

 Polled rams occasionally appear, and the ewes are 

 uniformly hornless. 



Contrasted with other Merinos, the Rambouillet 

 is the largest and growthiest and has the best mut- 

 ton conformation, and somewhat coarser wool. In 

 contrast with the mutton breeds, it is easily their 

 superior in weight and quality of fleece, but suffers 

 decidedly by comparison of mutton qualities. While 



