296 BRITISH PHYSICIANS. an inquiry as to the most profitable kind of stock, with reference to his own circumstances of soil and situation, engaged his principal attention. After a cautious examination of the question, he decided in favour of a breed of sheep which, by its hardiness, should not require peculiar care or expense of food, and by the superiority of its fleece, should more than counterbalance any possible deficiencies of weight or carcass. In the second part of his Essay on the Merino Sheep (p. 97,) to which the Board of Agriculture adjudged their highest premium, Dr. Parry has, at considerable length, given the history of his flock, and his original views in regard to it. This account is particularly interesting as connect- ing his name with those of several individuals of the highest rank, who had then conceived the de- sign of introducing into this kingdom, upon an extended scale, the breed of fine-wooled sheep. Prom this period, during the remainder of an active life, this specific object was pursued by Dr. Parry with consummate skill, and with unwearied assi- duity. That his endeavours were successful, is manifest from the event of the frequent competi- tions in which he was engaged with the breeders and manufacturers of the finest home and foreign wools and cloths, and from the various prizes which, during many successive years, were awarded to his exhibitions. In the year 1800, his late Majesty accepted a piece of blue cloth manufac- tured from Dr. Parry's wool, and declared that, from its excellent quality, he should feel a pride in wearing it. In 1813, the Prince Regent and the Duke of Clarence also gratified Dr. Parry by accepting, the former a piece of scarlet, the latter
