Journal of Applied Microscopy. 291 



various pigments. The various manufacturing processes, such as scouring, car- 

 bonizing, bleaching, dyeing, etc., effect great changes in the wool fiber, and the 

 observer should make himself familiar with all of them. 



To cite an extreme case, a weak solution of caustic soda (Na. H. O.) will 

 transform the wool fiber into an opaque, somewhat swollen, gelatinous body, 

 while a strong solution will dissolve it entirely. The various reagents should be 

 separately applied and the effects noted, for some will produce partial, others 

 complete disintegration, while frequently other changes fully as striking occur. 



Some wool fibers are cylindrical and are covered with somewhat irregular 

 scales, or with bundles of elongated fibers of epithelia, while the wool fibers 

 sometimes show cellular cavities or canals filled with granules of pigment. These 

 are some of the principal characteristics of the wool fiber which, together with 

 careful study, will enable the observer to classify the wools as to their breeds 

 and grades, commercial values and conditions. 



In illustrating the features mentioned, the American Merinos will serve as a 

 type. The wool of the Merino sheep is comparatively easily distinguishable 

 from that of the Lincoln, Cotswold, and Oxford breeds, but not so easily from 

 the Southdown, and much Southdown wool has been, and is, sold for Merino, so 

 closely do the wools of these two breeds resemble each other, and so easily are 

 thev confused with each other. 



Fig. 1. 



For example : Fig. 1 represents a fiber of American Merino wool drawn 

 from solar projections x 180. 



