HOW TO PREPARE WOOL FOR MARKET 



By S. Silberman, Boston, Massachusetts 



The most injurious feature of wools raised in the middle west 

 and eastern states is the large percentage of seedy and burry 

 fleeces. It is important that the sheep be fed in such manner 

 that the seed, straw, or hay does not get in the fleece ; also sheep 

 should be kept out of burry pastures, as should the fleece be either 

 seedy or burry a great percentage of its manufacturing value 

 is lost, resulting in at least a five-cent-per-pound reduction when 

 selling on the market. 



Twelve Months' Growth 



It is preferable that the shearing be as close to twelve month 

 intervals as possible, insuring a uniform length. Wools without 

 sufficient staple called clothing wools, are worth from two to 

 three cents per pound less than combing wools. 



Tie With Paper Twine 



In shearing it is best that the fleece be retained in one piece 

 and it is very important that it be tied, shorn side out, with suit- 

 able twine. A fibre twine and even the so-called wool twine, 

 although the latter to a lesser extent, becomes entangled with 

 the wool fibre itself, making it difficult to abstract it during the 

 manufacturing process. These fragments do not have the 

 same dye absorbent qualities as wool, so that they are plainly 

 shown in the finished goods as streaks. This is one of the chief 

 objections found with domestic wools as contrasted with for- 

 eigns. A hard finished or paper twine has been approved by 

 manufacturers, and can be obtained from any of the large wool or 

 twine dealers. 



Mistaken Opinion 



In conclusion we would like to correct an erroneous opinion 

 of domestic wools. Well-kept Shropshire wool in this country 

 is equal to that of any country and has superior qualities to South 

 Americans, Australians, and many other localities. The grease 

 value may not be as great but this is due to the skirting and 

 greater shrinkage of many foreign wools. However, taking 

 into account the number of pounds obtained per head the Amer- 

 ican grower can realize more for a good fleece than any other 

 grower, if the wool is properly taken care of and the improved 

 methods of breeding and care of the wool when shorn, be adopted. 



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