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difficult matter to keep up with the popular kinds, inasmuch 

 as they are constantly changing. The sort of wool popular 

 to-day or to-morrow, may be supplanted by some other 

 kind next year. 



The wools are divided into two classes, short and long. 

 They are again subdivided into* several grades, such as su- 

 perfine, fine, medium and coarse. A former grade prevailed 

 of carding and combing wools, but from the great improve- 

 ment in the machinery used in woolen manufactures these 

 terms have been well nigh discarded. At one time none 

 but the Cotswold or kindred wools could be combed, but 

 now the Merino and Southdown wools, even under three 

 inches long, are included in the list of combing wools. At 

 one time the price of Merino wool was by far greater than 

 any other sort. Now the coarse and common breed wools 

 sell for as much or more than the Merino. A few years ago, 

 the Cotswold sold very much higher than other breeds, but 

 the past year long wools were in less demand than the South- 

 downs. There is never, however, more than a few cents dif- 

 ference in the prices. 



As a rule, medium wools come nearer bringing the best 

 regular prices, as they offer a variety of wool for both comb- 

 ing and carding purposes. 



It may be well to explain the difference between the 

 two. 



Combing wool is the kind that can be combed out into 

 long fibres, and thus spun into thread. It is joined at the 

 ends and shows no points of fibres sticking out. It is used 

 for making cloths that show the thread, such as delaines, 

 cashmeres and others of like character. 



The Carding wools are those in which the fibres are so 

 intermingled that the ends show in every direction, and of 

 such are made cloth intended to be carded up to hide the 

 threads, such as broadcloth, cassirnere, cassinet and hats. 

 Sometimes a fleece will felt on the sheep's back. This is an 

 evidence of a low condition, or sick sheep, and they should 



