Merino

me-re'no, an important breed of sheep. It is supposed to have originated in Asia Minor, but it reached its highest development and received its name in Spain. The ram in particular has strong limbs, spiral, drooping horns, and a wrinkled neck. The merino fleece is long, soft, and twisted. The fibre is noted for its silky fineness. Merinos have been distributed all over the world. They now constitute a large part of the flocks of Australia, and have been introduced widely into the United States. The heavy fleece, docility, and ability to thrive on coarse food and to withstand cold weather have made the merino a favorite on the ranges. See Sheep