THE RUMINANT ORDER. 
271 
The merino wool varies in the degrees of fineness ; but the last- 
mentioned race produces the best, for it combines in the highest 
degree both softness, strength, and elasticity. The fleece covers 
the whole skin of the animal, down even to its toes, and the tip 
of the nose is the only part left free. On the other hand, the 
Merino is but indifferent mutton, which is not only over- 
burdened with bone, but also has a very decided flavour of the 
wool-grease or yolk. 
The breeds of Berry and Sologne produce a meat which is valued 
by the butcher, but their fleece is of a very common quality. 
The Poitou breed furnishes a large quantity of fat sheep to the 
Fig. 102.— Black Breed of the Landes (Ram). 
markets of Sceaux and Poissy, but their mutton is far from 
deserving to be considered of prime quality. 
The Pyrenean breed is valuable for the table ; for it is fine, and 
of an agreeable flavour. 
A breed from the Landes (Fig. 102) has a black fleece, and its 
meat is esteemed. 
The breed of Larzac (Fig. 103) spends the winter upon the 
plateau of the mountain of Larzac (Aveyron), and the fine weather 
in the plains. This breed is slender in shape and clad with a 
scanty fleece. They furnish excellent milk, which is used 
extensively in the manufacture of cheese. 
Sheep- shearing takes place every year. Sometimes the wool is 
taken to market in the rough ; at other times it is not clipped 
until the animal has undergone a thorough cleansing. 
