SHEEP 385 



lower line. The advantage is not so much in the increased yield of 

 wool grown on these parts, as that is of little consequence, but in 

 the accompanying tendency to a larger and better yield of wool in 

 all parts. A barefaced and barelegged sheep is always a relatively 

 light shearer, and in contrast with this the sheep wooled from the 

 eyes to the toes always yields a heavy fleece and the wool is gener- 

 ally of a better quality than from those having a scanty covering. 

 Fineness, length, and strength of fiber are essential qualities in 

 a good fleece that should always have prominent consideration in the 

 selection of breeding stock, as these qualities largely determine the 

 market value. Neglect or undue exposure of the flock, a period of 

 sickness, or anything that induces unthrift and impaired vitality 

 invariably results in diminishing both the length and strength of 

 the fiber. Well fed sheep always produce the most and best wool. 

 Softness and pliancy of wool usually correspond in degree with fine- 

 ness. Harshness and dryness are always detrimental to the quality, 

 even if the fiber is otherwise good. As a rule, this condition may be 

 taken as an indication of poor breeding, although it may be due to 

 disease, old age, or improper treatment. Generally, a fleece begins 

 to decline in value and yield after a sheep becomes 4 years old. Soft- 

 ness and pliancy are to a considerable extent due to the secretions 

 of the skin. A clear pink or yellowish skin is an indication of a 

 good quality of wool, while a pale or bluish skin is generally accom- 

 panied by an inferior fleece. The yolk is the oily secretion which 

 gives color, softness, pliancy, and luster to the fleece. The composi- 

 tion of the yolk consists of a soapy matter, principally animal oil 

 and potash, which promotes the growth of the fleece and prevents 

 friction, wearing of the fibers, and cotting. Good feeding, shelter, and 

 care promote liberal secretion of yolk, while exposure and alkali 

 soils result in injury to wool by diminishing the yolk. The secre- 

 tions are always more abundant under high temperature, hence 

 blanketing and confinement in close, warm quarters will stimulate 

 the production and insure a finer fiber. A liberal secretion of yolk 

 is favorable to the production of a good fleece, but the yolk should 

 be clear and transparent and not too thick and gummy. In addi- 

 tion to these qualities, a fleece should possess the properties of even- 

 ness and uniformity; this refers to covering, density, and quality. 

 A good fleece should be as nearly uniform in all parts as practicable. 

 Avoid the fleeces that run to coarse, kempy fibers at the thighs and 

 along the lower line. The best grade and quality of wool is found 

 on the rear part of the shoulder, and the nearer all other parts of 

 the fleece measure up to this standard in length and fineness of fiber 

 the higher will be its value. Wrinkles or folds of the skin about the 

 neck or other parts of the body are detrimental, as the wool that 

 grows within these folds is unlike the other parts of the fleece, and 

 there is a consequent lack of uniformity. (Agr. Dep. F. B. 96.) 



MARKET CLASSES AND GRADES OF SHEEP. 



Mutton Sheep. All sheep and lambs sent to market for slaugh- 

 ter, no matter what the condition, age, or weight, are classed as 

 mutton sheep. Of the various sub-classes, the one known as lambs 



