Historical information

A 45kg Spanish Merino from Mt Bute at Linton, Victoria. It is a descendant of the original Spanish Merino brought to Australia by John MacArthur in 1797. John and Elizabeth MacArthur undertook breeding experiments at Camden Park, Parramatta, crossing the Spanish Merino with Bengal and Irish sheep already in the Colony. The resultant merino became the foundation of Australias sheep industry. Although of little commercial value, the Mt Bute station has ensured the survival of the Camden bloodline.

Physical description

Taxidermy figure of a Spanish merino ram on display in Gallery 1. Ram has curved horns and is mounted with crooked front legs.