The foundation of the present fine-wooled sheep of all countries is the Spanish Merino, a type which antedates the Christian Era. These sheep were held in Spain by the kings, the nobles, the clergy, and others, and since their exportation was prohibited, and extreme care was bestowed upon the fleece, Spain long con trolled the fine-wool trade of the world. Among the families of the Merinos were the Escurial, lnfantado, Paular, Negretti, Guadaloup, and Aguirres, which for years contributed largely to the support of the Spanish Government. Un til the nineteenth century, it is said, none were exported except by royal favor or by smuggling. In 1765 three hundred, introduced into Saxony by royal courtesy, became the foundation of the Saxon Merinos. During the first quarter of the nineteenth century Spanish Merinos were introduced into the United States, and from these the American and the Delaine Merinos have been developed. The moist climate of Great Britain is unfavorable to the growth of the finest wools, and hence the Merino has never been suc cessfully propagated there. It formed the basis of the vast flocks of Australia and New Zealand. The fleece covers the whole body, down to the hoofs and nearly to the tip of the nose. The rams have wide, wrinkled horns. The short, full neck is covered with heavy folds of skin in both males and females. Merino mutton is of inferior
quality. The Rambouillet, or French Merino, which originated from the Spanish stock im ported by Louis XVI. and is named from his es tate, is regarded as a distinct breed. It is a large, heavy-fleeced sheep and has many admirers in Europe and America.
Various other types of sheep not included in the above classification are of local importance. The Iceland sheep are remarkable for frequently having three, fora•, or five horns, as do also sonic sheep of Northern Russia. The broad-tailed or fat-tailed sheep, found in many parts of Asia, are c•lciefly characterized by the enormous aeemnu lation of fat on each side of the tail bone. The tail is esteemed a great delicacy, and to protect it from being injured by dragging on the ground it is sometimes supported by a board or small pair of wheels. The fat of the tail is often used in place of butter. The fat-romped sheep of Tartary have similar accumulations of fat on the rumps, falling down in two masses behind and often concealing the short tail. The _Astrakhan or Bokharian sheep have very fine wool twisted in spiral curls. The specially beautiful pelts of very young or still-born lambs of this variety are known as Astrakhan fur and are used for trim ming garments.