“That is right,” said Mr. Graham, “and can you tell me which is the most widely known of the short-wooled sheep?”
“I can,” said Harry; “it is the Merino, which was brought into Spain by the Moors and derives its name from the Spanish word merino which signifies 'wandering.' It was introduced into France more than a hundred years ago and has gradually spread all over Europe and to America and Australia. There wasn't a sheep in Australia when Governor Philip went there in 1788, and now that country sends a million and a quarter bales of wool every year to London alone besides what it ships to other countries and consumes at home. The merino is the favorite sheep of Australia, and it has also found a home in the British colonies at the Cape of Good Hope.
“As to the other kinds of sheep,” continued the youth, “they are, as the auctioneers say in their advertisements, too numerous to mention. Almost every county of England has its peculiar breed, some of them being more famous for their mutton than their wool, and others vice versa. Scattered over Europe are many breeds, but it is safe to say that the most of them came from one original stock and owe their variation in development to the differences of climate and modes of rearing. One of the most famous breeds of sheep in England is the Southdown, which is famous both for wool and meat: it has been introduced into France and other countries, and we have a good supply of Southdowns nowadays in America.”
“I am reminded,” said George, “of a conundrum I heard a while ago, and it is about sheep.”
“What is it?”
“Why do white sheep eat more than black ones?”