California Farmer and Journal of Useful Sciences, Volume 8, Number 4, 7 August 1857 — Merino Sheep. [ARTICLE]

Merino Sheep.

The splendid animal that figures upon our front page this week, may truly be considered as the finest creature of this tribe in the United States, if not in tho world. Truly has he been named, for he is among sheep what the building he was named for is among the varied forms of architectural beauty that grace Europe or America—the finest known.

The importation and breeding of Sheep, and the raising of the very best of Sheep, both for wool and mutton, are matters of great moment to the State. It is already conceded that we have the finest climate and the best grazingground in the world for this purpose, and no one can for a moment doubt that wool-growing will always pay. No ono article of our products will pay so well, and it is a business that cannot be overdone. We are largely indobted to foreign countries every year for the wool to supply our manufacturers, and our Gold is sent abroad to pay for wool and other articles that we should and could produce upon our own shores.

It is now our purpose to call the attention of our stock-growers and our readers generally to the importance of Wool-growing in California, and we shall present briefly some facts to show that we are destined to be a great Wool-growing country, and that thus far it has been successful.

Messrs. Whitney were tho pioneer sheep importers to any extent, and they have been eminently successful, of which we have written in previous numbers. Their sheep have greatly increased in size, quality and Oneness of wool, as the new progeny born and acclimated, and their largely increased flocks prove. A large fleece was taken the first year, and tbe wool sold promptly at forty-five cents a pound.

Messrs. Daniel Gibb & Co. imported a large flock, and although the long voyage and sickness injured the sheep, yet our climate has restored them. They brought handsome prices and have done extremely well.

Very recently Messrs. Macondray k Co. imported a large flock of very fine Merinos, the finest-wooled sheep yet imported, of any number. They have been sent over our State and they will add to its wealth.

Some few very splendid full bloods were imported by Messrs. Searle & Wynn, last season. Also, Samuel Brannan, Esq., imported some of tho best lately brought hither. A lot was received for San Jose, and for some other places) and thus we have the evidence of the fitness of our climate and pasturage for the raising of Sheep and the growing of Wool, as a permanent and piofitable business, one that shall be a lasting benefit to our State.

We now ask particular attention to a few facts which we shall offer upon the importance of raising the very best varieties of Wool-producing Sheep in California. 'Tis said. ' Experience is the best schoolmaster," and we have the very proof from the best Wool-growers in the world, that "it is easier to raise and take caro of tho best breeds of Sheej}, than of common sorts;" the former are mote easily herded, more quiet, easier controlled ; their quiet nature greatly tending to the growth of wool and flesh (upon the same principle we suppose that a good-natured man or woman is generally plump and fat), and although it will be necessary in California to raise the Southdowns, Leicesters, Asiatic, and the American and Mexican for Mutton, those who grow for the fleece should aim at the highest grades of wool, and to the Full-blooded Merino the attention of growers should be directed, that they may know from whence the purest and best will come.

The "Crystal Palace" will be the sire of many a fine flock of Sheep that shall grace the hills of California, and we are glad to know that some of his stock is already in our State; those to which we have referred, of Messrs. Searle & Wynn, those of Mr. Brannan, and others.

J. D. Patterson, Esq., of Westfield, Chautauqiie county, has been one of the most successful Sheep-growers in the United States, and has now probably one of the finest herds of Sheep in the world, at least the noble Buck which wo show this week speaks in bold character for this fact; to allude to his value, we know that §10,000 would not purchase him.

Mr. Patterson commenced Sheep-raising many years since, upon the true principle; his aim was to grow only the best, and from the flocks of Europe, or from any other importer, ho aimed to procure only the very best, without regard to cost, and thus he now possesses the finest animals of the country. The Sheep of Mr. Patterson have taken probably more prizes at the different exhibitions than any flock known. The "Crystal Palace," as will be seen, took the prize at the World's Fair in Paris, in 1855. Thus in tho very midst of the celebrated flocks of France, an American stock-raiser bears otf the prize ; and if we were to record the Diplomas, Goblets and other prizes awarded by different State and County Societies to Mr. Patterson, we should fill our columns. We have also, records from various parts of the Union where Bucks of this breed have been sold for $1000 each, thus showing their intrinsic value.

We now, for our present purpose of calling attention to this valuable flock of Sheep that should be introduced into California, have proof nearer home.

The Hon. R. P. Johnson, former Mayor of Sacramento, has just returned from the East, and has kindly furnished us with the out of tho "Crystal Palace," and also with samples of the wool of this celebrated flock, and with many important and reliable facts, which we shall use for the benefit of* wool-growers. Mr. Johnson previous to coming to California had resided near Mr. Patterson for over fifteen years, and

has seen the rise and progress of this great interest, and now returning to California, stands ready to testify to the full worth of these fine Sheep. He will cheerfully and promptly verify that whatever Mr. Patterson shall represent in regard to his Sheep can bo relied upon, to the letter and spirit of the agreement; and as his neighbor and friend, Mr. J. has consented to bo tho agent and reforee to all who desire to import Sheep from this celebrated stock, and is fully authorized to aot in this matter. This will prove very beneficial to our State, as Mr. Johnson is so universally known and esteemed, and he will greatly facilitate the importations when desired.

The weight of Crystal Palace is about 300 pounds, and his fleece, last sheared, was 23 pounds—had it been close sheared would have weighed 30 pounds. We huve the Catalogues of the Prizes that have been taken, of the sales that bavo been made, and tbe approvals and notices from nearly a thousand sources, all speaking in tbe highest terms ; these, with the samples of the wool and other facts, wo shall be happy to communicate to those interested.

For further and valuable hints, we can refer to Hon. R. P. Johnson, of Sacramento, who will act for Mr. Pattorson, as can be seen by the card in our columns, offering the Sheep for sale. We shall speak further of these Sheep, and present other plates in future numbers.