With the spread of sheep breeds throughout Europe, a wool plant was established as early as 50 AD in England. In the eigth century a valuable wool trade was established between Spain, North Africa, Greece and Egypt. Spain, guarding this wealth over the centuries, levied a death penalty on anyone exporting sheep until the mid 1700's.
By 1660 wool textile exports were 2 thirds of Britains foreign commerce and the export of sheep was closely guarded. Around this time many shepherds were made jobless as the monachy redistributed sheep among the court favourites resulting in the immigration of many shepherds to America.
A few bravely smuggled sheep multiplied to about 1 million over a 100 years or so in North America.
By the turn of the 18th century pioneers brought small flocks to Australia, New Zealand and with them came the rapidly expanding industry of wool and sheep meat.
Sheep now thrive in most nations of the world. They can survive on basic vegitation and weeds, converting into protien a group of natural resorces which otherwise would be wasted.
Today, sheep provide our food and fibre needs just as they have for centuries.
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