164 



THE SHEEP AND WOOL INDUSTRY 



The list buyers use when valuing sheep-skins would be some- 

 what like the following : 



In the above list, both the medium and coarse Cross-bred lines 

 are omitted, but the reader will see how the price list is worked 

 out. The prices given are about present values for each class of 

 skin, but a buyer's list is frequently altered, as his limits are being 

 constantly raised and lowered, which naturally causes the market 

 to fluctuate in the same manner. 



Lamb-skins are sold separately from the others. They are 

 classed into fine and coarse, and long and short. Skins with bad 

 cuts in the pelt are usually worth about id. per Ib. less than a 

 sound skin of the same quality. 



Some sheep-skins have ribby marks on the pelt which cannot 

 be removed, consequently they show in the tanned pelt. These 

 ribby skins come off very wrinkly sheep, such as the Vermont 

 breed, and are usually very heavy in condition, their value being 

 fully id. per Ib. under average skins. 



Red sandy skins are of less value than other skins on account of 

 the low yielding quality of the wool. Sometimes the sand works 

 right through the wool and down on to the pelt in these skins ; 

 wherever the sand is touching the pelt it leaves a dark mark 

 on the opposite side of it. The pelts are usually very thin and 

 do not make good leather. Skins which have been taken off 

 poor or diseased sheep have wool which, if given a slight pull, 



