278 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTUEE. 



bers, and both are valuable for wool and mutton. When wool is the first con- 

 sideration, the fine-Avools, in my judgment, have the preference ; but when 

 mutton is the object sought, from the early maturity and larger growth of the 

 long-wools, they may take the front rank. Each is meritorious and entitled to 

 the attention of the farming community. 



I wish to say a few words at this time in reference to the practice of washing 

 sheep, and to enter my protest against it. I acknowledge that I have hereto- 

 fore washed my sheep, in view of the fact that the one-third rule of shrinkage 

 on all unwashed fleeces did not give me what I would be entitled to for my wool 

 if unwashed. When wool shall be bought strictly upon its merits, as otber com- 

 modities are, and the producer and manufacturer come to understand each 

 other, with a mutual regard for the interests of both, and competent agents are 

 employed that can and will distinguish and compare the relative value of all 

 wool, whatever its condition may be, Avith a fixed standard of wool, then the 

 washing process will no longer be deemed a necessity. All wools, however well 

 Avashed, go through a scouring process by the manufacturer. There are various 

 reasons for discarding the Avashing theory. If done early in May it endangers the 

 health of man and beast from the cold state of the Avater at that time. If put 

 off till the first of June it brings the shearing too late, for usually from fifteen to 

 twenty days' time needs elapse betAveen the time of washing and shearing, that 

 the Avool may become lubricated Avitli the animal oil, giving it the luster and bril- 

 liancy desirable, and to make it Aveigh Avell Avithal. The poor animiils are thus 

 compelled to carry their heavy fleeces in the month of June, to their great incon- 

 venience, and then in turn to suffer for Avant of a portion of it in early Aviuter. 

 With the same propriety a man might Avear his flannels, and overcoat well but- 

 toned up, in the hot Aveather of June, and then stick to his cotton or linen 

 garments in frosty Aveather |in the month of ISTovember. The avooI on fash- 

 ionably bred merino CAves of the present day, Avitli wrinkles, folds, and flanges 

 about the tail and back part of the thighs, though tagged and Avashed Avitli the 

 greatest care, Avill frequently, in the Avarm, Avet Aveatlier of June, become tainted, 

 and flies are induced to deposit their eggs, from Avhich great inconvenience and 

 trouble arise. Sheep thus beseiged must be attended to at once. They can be 

 distinguished from others of the flock by their repeated though ineffectual efforts 

 to dislodge their tormentors, Avhicli haA^e taken refuge under the thick aa'ooI and 

 betAveen the wrinkles. Sheep sheared early in the season Avill take care of them- 

 seh'es in this respect. This is not all. Healthy sheep are exposed to contagious 

 diseases by being yarded Avhere affected ones haA"e been, and again injuries are 

 frequentj especially if handled by inexperienced Avorkmen ; and still another 

 reason for abandoning the practice is the fact that sheep are often driA'en one 

 or two miles over dusty roads Avith their avooI Avet, to Avhich the dust readily 

 adheres. But Avhat if it does, they have been Avashed, and the Avool-buyer must 

 distinctly understand it. Sheep should be Avell tagged before let out to grass 

 in the spring ; should be sheared in the montli of May ; should be housed for a 

 fcAV nights and then turned aAvay to pasture, and in a fcAV Aveek's time Avill be 

 in a much better condition than if compelled to carry their fleeces to the middle 

 or last of June. The difference in value per pound betAveen avooI thus handled 

 and that Avashed and treated as aboA'e described is A^ery slight. I trust the time 

 is not far distant Avhen all interested in these matters AA'ill see things in their 

 true light. 



With regard to the general usefulness of the class of domestic animals under 

 consideration but little need be said, as it is pretty Avell knoAvn that they fur- 



