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been productive of good, by giving a stronger constitution, and more 
wool. 
The Saxon .—This congener of the Merino was undoubtedly derived 
from the flock of the Escurial, the finest in Spain, at the time of the 
German importation. It is described as less hardy than the other breeds, 
but of symmetrical form, and having a fleece of surpassing fineness. In 
the hands of the Germans it has been the beautiful Saxon, the paragon 
ef fine-wooled sheep. Great injustice has been done the breed in former 
years by importations of grade animals. Experience has demonstrated 
that in the hands of careful and judicious breeders, this breed had been 
so improved in its constitution, as to become acclimated in the most rig¬ 
orous portions of the Union. And did the price of its wool invite the 
extension of its growth the Saxon of the present day would be found to 
stand side by side with the Merino in any region. It is much to be re¬ 
gretted that the wool of the Saxony does not bear a price in proportion 
to its value as compared with other wool. And it is yet to be hoped that 
fashion will raise the fabric of the exquisite Saxon staple, from the obli¬ 
vion which now envelopes it. Experience has shown that the fineness of 
the fleece may be retained, and at the same time the weight increased. 
And I believe that the time is not distant when four pounds will be 
found as common a yield for the Saxon as six is for the Merino. 
There are innumerable grades of fine-wooled sheep, some being grades 
between the Saxon and Merino, some having more or less of the blood 
of one or the other breed preponderating. Perhaps the wool most sought 
for by the manufacturer is a grade ranging from half to three quarter 
blood between the Saxon and Merino. 
French Sheep .—These sheep should be classed as fine-wool. There is 
much doubt and controversy as to the true qualities of these sheep. Many 
of them approximate the Merino, and bear a beautiful wool, but it is not 
to be disguised that very large numbers, especially of the large speci¬ 
mens of the breed, are only a grade sheep. Crosses have been made 
upon our fine-wooled sheep, but as yet not enough has been done to 
warrant classing them with the Merinos. If the judicious flock-master 
cross with them at all, he will do it with great caution. 
Silesian Sheep .—It is but quite recently that the attention of breeders 
have been turned to this sheep, and but few have as yet been imported 
