Volume 71: Macarthur family papers relating to wool and sheep, 1820-1936: No. 151
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[Page 151]
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Country, produces a Wool, but little superior to that of the Cape, or Bengal Sheep. This race was common throughout Saxony, and the whole of Germany, until the introduction of the Merino Blood. The greater part of the fine Woolled Flocks, particularly in Silesia, & Prussia, are crosses, between this native race, and the Merino. They are not to be depended upon in breeding.
Unless the strain of pure blood be kept up, by using none but pure Rams, a flock is sure to degenerate. The Wool becomes either open and flannely, or exceedingly, and irregularly curly, losing the true Merino characters, of closeness, regular wave, and elasticity. The possessors of thorough bred merino flocks, will not sell their finest, thoroughbred Sheep. Many fine crossbred Animals