368 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 



wool borne by these sheep. In some families of Merinos, 

 the body surface is increased by folds or wrinkles on the 

 skin, which increase the wool-bearing surface. These 

 folds are especially pronounced about the neck, and 

 sometimes make huge " collars." 



451. The wool. Merino wool is most esteemed when 

 it is fine. The diameter of a fiber of Merino wool varies 

 from iirtnr to i sV "o of an inch, while the fibers of the English 

 breeds vary from -5^-5 of an inch for an Oxford Down, to 

 &YS of an inch for a Southdown. It should also have a 

 short crimp throughout its entire length, and should be 

 strong, silky and well supplied with white oil. This oil 

 protects the wool fibers, but at the outer ends it collects 

 dust and gives the coat a dark and uninviting appearance, 

 which is dispelled when the wool is opened and the beauti- 

 ful white and glistening interior is viewed. 



The density of the wool is an essential factor, since on 

 that depends the weight of the scoured fleece. Sufficient 

 oil to protect the fleece is essential, but a surface of 

 grease is unnecessary, and in recent years has been 

 recognized as undesirable. During the so-called Merino 

 craze that existed in America soon after the Civil War, 

 the aim was to get as heavy a fleece as possible, and 

 many breeders unwisely sought to attain this result 

 by breeding sheep with very greasy wool. It was 

 learned, however, that this only enfeebled the sheep 

 without bringing any sufficient compensation, and in 

 recent years breeders have sought to produce animals 

 bearing only sufficient oil to protect the fleece well. 



The amount of oil carried by Merino fleeces varies 

 with the different families, the American or Spanish types 

 having most and the Rambouillet perhaps the least oil. 

 Merino fleeces have been grown so heavy with oil that 



