<P> The three Merino strains that founded the world's Merino flocks are the Royal Escurial flocks, the Negretti and the Paula . Among Merino bloodlines stemming from Vermont in the USA, three historical studs were highly important: Infantado, Montarcos and Aguires . </P> <P> Before the 18th century, the export of Merinos from Spain was a crime punishable by death . In the 18th century, small exportation of Merinos from Spain and local sheep were used as the foundation of Merino flocks in other countries . In 1723, some were exported to Sweden, but the first major consignment of Escurials was sent by Charles III of Spain to his cousin, Prince Xavier the Elector of Saxony, in 1765 . Further exportation of Escurials to Saxony occurred in 1774, to Hungary in 1775 and to Prussia in 1786 . Later in 1786, Louis XVI of France received 366 sheep selected from 10 different cañadas; these founded the stud at the Royal Farm at Rambouillet . The Rambouillet stud enjoyed some undisclosed genetic development with some English long - wool genes contributing to the size and wool - type of the French sheep . Through one ram in particular named Emperor--imported to Australia in 1860 by the Peppin brothers of Wanganella, New South Wales--the Rambouillet stud had an enormous influence on the development of the Australian Merino . </P> <P> Sir Joseph Banks procured two rams and four ewes in 1787 by way of Portugal, and in 1792 purchased 40 Negrettis for King George III to found the royal flock at Kew . In 1808, 2000 Paulas were imported . </P> <P> The King of Spain also gave some Escurials to the Dutch government in 1790; these thrived in the Dutch Cape Colony (South Africa). Two years earlier in 1788 John MacArthur, from the Clan Arthur (or MacArthur Clan) introduced Merinos to Australia from South Africa . </P>

Where does the last name merino come from