I return you my thanks for your two volumes on the subject of the Merino breed of sheep, which have come safely to hand. no one sets higher value than I do, on whatever tends to promote those pursuits which belong to Agricultural life, and among these, the improvement of the race of sheep is of principal importance; for the information you have given on this subject we are all indebted to you. a considerable number of Merino sheep were introduced from Spain into the US. about five years ago, & they are thriving well. it is 20. years since I procured a ram of that breed, which has greatly improved my flock. we find not only that they yield more & finer wool, but that the lambs are hardier, not half as many of them perishing young, as of the common kind. restrained by indispensable occupations from reading, I have thought I could not dispose of your work for the general good, better than by presenting it to the American Philosophical society, some of whose members we may hope may render the public service of translating it. I salute you with esteem & respect.