But Merino sheep, they soon found out, had an image problem.
He became the first person to bring merino sheep to the state of Maine.
Much of the farming in the area is with Merino sheep.
By 1830 merino sheep had become the state's principal livestock.
He is also credited with the first transportation of merino sheep into Australia.
He had also farms of cows, horses and merino sheep.
After his return, he became a grazier breeding merino sheep.
Farming in the area is dedicated almost entirely to horses and merino sheep.
This strain of Merino sheep has been bred for milk production.
In its early days, the town supported a largely agricultural economy, with wool from Merino sheep as a major product.