1-158-977 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

Merino sheep, c1860. Originating in Spain as long as 3000 years ago, the Merino was improved by the Moors in the Middle Ages. In 1789 two rams and four ewes, part of a gift from the king of Spain to the king of the Netherlands, were sent to South Africa having failed to thrive on the wet Dutch lowlands. This small flock was the origin of the Australian and South African flocks which now produce 80% of the world's wool.