His Majesty's Spanish Flock 1788
By H.B. Carter
Published by Angus & Robertson: Sydney 1964 1st Edition
"His Majesty's Spanish Flock 1788 by H. B. Carter is a historical study of how Australia's wool industry began with the introduction of Spanish merino sheep in the late eighteenth century. Carter traces the story back to 1788, when selected sheep from the prized Spanish royal flocks were brought to the colony, setting the foundation for what would become one of Australia's most important and profitable industries. The book examines the political maneuvering, logistical challenges, and agricultural experiments that accompanied the transfer, highlighting the vision of early colonial figures who recognized the potential of fine merino wool.
Carter situates this development within the wider context of international trade, European rivalries, and the needs of the fledgling Australian settlement. He details how the careful breeding and adaptation of merinos to Australian conditions transformed both the economy and the landscape, turning wool into "Australia's golden fleece." By weaving archival research with narrative storytelling, His Majesty's Spanish Flock 1788 offers both a scholarly and accessible account of how a small introduction of livestock shaped the destiny of a nation."
Light wear, chipping and fading to dust jacket. Cover and spine in excellent condition. Pages typically clean and bright. No inscriptions. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.