It appears, however, that as the sheep approached to greater purity of blood, their extreme fecundity diminished.
TO REAR MERINO FLOCKS.
In 1803, Mr.M'Arthur revisited England; and there happening at the time to be a committee of manufacturers in London from the clothing districts, he exhibited before them samples of his wool, which were so much approved, that the committee represented to their constituents the advantages which would result from the growth of fine wool, in one of the southern dependencies of the empire.

In consequence of this a memorial was transmitted to His Majesty's government, and Mr.M'Arthur's plans having been investigated by a Privy Council, at which he was present, they were recommended to the government as worthy of its protection.

With such encouragement Mr.M'Arthur purchased two ewes and three rams, from the Merino flock of His Majesty King George the Third.

He embarked with them on his return to New South Wales in 1806, on board a vessel named by him "the Argo," in reference to the golden treasure with which she was freighted.

On reaching the colony he removed his sheep to a grant of land which the Home Government had directed he should receive in the Cow Pastures.