26S 



MAMMATJA. 



ground, and pass from the desert into the Tell, and from the Tell 

 into the desert, according to the season. Their remarkable pro- 

 liiicness constitutes their principal value. 



Among the short-woollcd breed we must, in the first place, 

 mention the .South-Down variety (Fig. 99), which chieflj^ inhabits 

 the downs situated in the county of Sussex. This breed of Sheep 

 is the most remarkable found in Great Britain, from where it has 

 been extensively introduced into France, its mutton being most 

 deservedly esteemed in both countries. 



The Merino breed derives its name from the habits of its life 



Fig. ii9.— SuULll-Itowu ttheep. 



(merino, in Spanish, signifying "wandering "). It was brought 

 into the latter country by the Moors, and thence introduced into 

 France, on accomit of the fineness and beauty of its wool. 



The Spanish Merinos live during the winter in the rich valleys 

 and fertile plains in the mild climate of Estremadura, Andalusia, 

 and New Castile. They pass the summer on the high mountains 

 in the ancient kingdom of Leon, Old Castile, Navarre, and 

 Aragon — regions which are the most favoured in all Spain for the 

 freshness of their temiDerature. Here grows a sweet herbage, 

 much sought after by these Sheep, and which does not dry up 

 from the heat of the sun. The Merinos begin their migrations 



