TYPES AND MARKET CLASSES OF LIVE STOCK 275 



4. Strength of fiber. Tender spots and breaks affect the 

 value of the wool, may change its class or grade, and lessen the 

 strength of the yarn. 



5. Use of paint for branding sheep. This lowers the 

 value of the fleece, necessitates an extra sort at the mill, and 

 requires that the painted ends be clipped off the fibers before 

 scouring. 



6. Tags. These are worth about one-third as much as 

 good wool. At time of shearing they should be sacked separate- 

 ly. They are objectionable in the fleece because they shrink 



Fig. 87. Tender Wool Showing Break. 



much more in scouring than the rest of the fleece, and are liable 

 to stain the surrounding wool, especially when wet. 



7. Wet wool. In wet wool the fibers may be weakened, 

 and there is danger of spontaneous combustion. It may also 

 cause staining, especially when tags are present. 



8. Burso As has been pointed out, burs cause much 

 trouble and extra expense in manufacture, and hence lower the 

 value of the fleece considerably. 



9. Improper tying. The fleece should be tied so that no 

 locks or pieces fall out. These are difficult to sort and buyers 

 object to them when present in large quantities. The use of 



