1038 



CYCLOrEDIA OF LIVE STOCK AND COMPLETE STOCK DOCTOR. 



three years ending in 1899, the average number was 16.68 ; while for the 

 three years ending in 1910 the average was 20.70. That the increase in 

 the quantity or weight of fleece per sheep has not been secured by any 

 sacrifice of the high quality of the wool is sufficiently proved by the un- 

 rivalled market-value of the clip. According to "Dalgety's Review" the 

 average value of all wool sold in Australasian markets this season. has been 

 9}id. (19y2 cents) per pound, as compared with Sy2d. (17 cents) last 

 year, and 9j/<cZ. (19 cents) the year before. The bales averaged a weight 

 of 335.3 pounds, and the average price per bale was £13 12s. 2d. ($63.58). 

 Pastoralists have not allowed their efforts in improving their sheep, and 

 producing wool of the highest excellence, to divert their attention from the 



A CHAMPION AUSTRALIAN MERINO EWE OF 1911. 



best methods of preparing the product for market, for their methods have 

 long been held up by brokers and buyere as an example to the producers of 

 other countries. 



XXV. Where the World's Sheep are Located. 



All these remarkable advances in the quality of wool, weight of fleece, 

 and excellence of marketing arrangements, have been achieved concur- 

 rently with an active increase in the number of sheep. As compared with 

 other wool-producing countries Australia is only an infant in years ; but it 

 has already outgrown all competitors. The sheep of the Commonwealth 

 now number 92,000,000; New Zealand flocks bringing the Australasian 



