FUR FARMING FOR BROADTAIL 71 



is the shape and size of the tail. It is described as 'Broadtail.' 

 Being quite short and very broad next to the body, fat accumulates 

 and forms a triangular development that may weigh 5 to 6 pounds, 

 extending towards the hocks. 



"In some specimens of the breed, there is a noticeable amount 

 of finer and softer wool near the skin. This undercoat is not 

 desired, as it is stated that the lambs having the best curl and 

 lustre come from parents having the least fine wool. Karakul 

 fleeces are commonly sold as carpet wool. 



"The Karakul is adapted to areas of extreme temperatures 

 and limited rainfall. Reports from Texas state that the Karakuls 

 were better able to resist cold storms than sheep of other breeds. 

 The conformation of the Karakul does not commend him as a mut- 

 ton producer. The use of a Karakul to impress upon a flock bred 

 for mutton would sacrifice a good deal and not be desirable. 



"Only three lots of Karakul sheep have reached this country. 

 These were all imported by Dr. C. C. Young. A number of de- 

 scendants have been sold to Prince Edward Island, Canada, to 

 Texas, Kansas and New York." I have considerably condensed the 

 Department's Report, which closes with these admonitions on 

 skinning : 



" Cut a straight line down the belly and also cut down on the inside 

 of the legs to meet the centre line. Do not cut off any part of the 

 skin ; leave on the ears, nose and tail to the tip. Be careful not to 

 make unnecessary cuts. Stretch the skin evenly on a board, fur 

 side down, and dry in a cool place. Do not salt the skin or double 

 it up for shipment purposes. The principal object is to avoid crack- 

 ing the skin. See that it is properly shaped when nailed down to 

 the board and thoroughly dried before shipping. The skin should 

 not be sun dried. In packing a number of skins the first one should 

 be laid with the flesh side downward. The second should have the 

 fur side downward. The next should be placed like the first, and 

 so on. This prevents the flesh sides from lying in contact with the 

 fur." 



