50 FINE WOOL SHEEP HUSBANDRY. 
there was many a choice flock of which no trace can 
now be found. 
In 1824 a tariff was enacted which imposed a duty 
of fifteen per centum, ad valorem, on wools costing 
less than ten cents per pound at the place of export; 
twenty per centum on those costing more, until June 
1, 1825; twenty-five per centum from that date to 
June 1, 1826 ; and thirty per centum afterwards. On 
manufactures of wool* it imposed a duty of thirty per 
centum until June 30, 1825, and thirty-three and one- 
third per centuin afterwards. 
The decided protection thus afforded to wool and 
its fabrics, conspired, with other circumstances, again 
to turn the attention of farmers to the production of 
that staple. Among these auxiliary circumstances 1s 
to be mentioned the arrival of Saxon sheep in our 
country. The most extravagant ideas were formed of 
their value. The country, after so long a rest, was 
ready for another wool mania, and it set in. 
Introduction of Saxon Merinos. 
The following statement of the Saxon importations 
was embodied in that report on sheep which, as already 
mentioned, I made to the State Agricultural Society 
in 1838. The facts were furnished by one of the 
members of the committee, the late Henry D. Grove, 
of Hoosic.t 
* There were some exceptions. On blankets, worsted stuff goods, 
and woolens not exceeding thirty-three and one-third cents a yard, the 
duty was twenty-five per cent.; and on carpets a specific duty of fifty 
cents a square yard. 
+ This gentleman was born and educated to the duties of a shepherd 
and flockmaster, in Prussian Saxony; and I am sure I shall give no 
offence in expressing the opinion that he was the best practical shep- 
