ON WOOL. 279 



weight. The wool handles soft and tough — conditions which 

 are esteemed by the buyer — and weight is regained. Therefore, 

 as soon as the animals are washed they should be placed in a 

 dry grass field, and well fed. According to the nature of the 

 weather and the thriving state of the sheep, from two to three 

 weeks suffices to reinstate the yolk. All know the difference 

 between the dry harsh coat, when shorn immediately after 

 washing, and the soft greasy condition that indicates a 

 thriving state and a good weighing. Now, as the yolk removed 

 comprises 20 per cent, of the whole, and yields 40 per cent, of 

 mineral matter, containing from 59 to 84 per cent, of potash, it 

 becomes an important consideration whether it cannot be 

 recovered. To do this a different process of sheep washing is 

 necessary ; and the point to determine is whether the value of 

 the recovered potash would pay for the increased labour. A 

 running stream, especially if tolerably soft, affords an admirable 

 medium for sheep washing. If the waste water could be 

 utilised for irrigation, much advantage would arise ; but it is 

 seldom that the natural conditions allow of this economy. 



As regards the price of the wool, it is most important that 

 the washing should be well done. The amount of friction 

 required depends on the soil. Where sheep are dirty, no 

 mechanical contrivance equals the wringing and rubbing of the 

 hand ; but there is no occasion for the operator to stand up to 

 his middle in water, thereby contracting rheumatic affection, 

 despite oceans of liquor. Where there is running water a 

 bricked sheep wash should be constructed, in which one or more 

 operators can work. This should be so contrived that the 

 water stands about four feet deep. The sheep are thrown in on 

 one side, and seized by the washer, who stands in a water-tight 

 box placed in one corner of the bath. This box is built of brick 

 and cement, and should be at least six or nine inches above the 

 water line. The sheep is allowed to swim about for a few 

 seconds so as to get thoroughly soaked, then seized under the 

 chin by the left hand, whilst the operator works his right up 

 and down the back and sides ; then, with a twist, the animal 

 is placed on its back, the head just kept above water, and the 

 belly, &c., brought under the action of the hand ; it is here and 

 on the legs that external dirt will be found. To do this 



