[280] 



WEIGHT AND CHARACTER OF THEIR FLEECES. 



The fleeces of these sheep vary from eight to fifteen, and in one instance 

 seventeen and a half pounds, the whole flock of over one hundred breed- 

 ing ewes having averaged over eight pounds of merchantable wool, free 

 from burs, tags, etc. ; and though not washed on the sheep's back, still 

 clean enough for domestic manufacture. Though the fleeces of these 

 sheep (like those of all other breeds) are not perfectly uniform as to 

 length, thickness, and fineness of fibre, still there is a general uniformity, 

 and the diversity is of no practical disadvantage. Their wool is longer 

 than that of any sheep, except those of the Cotswold family, and is equal 

 in length to that of many individuals of that family, while it greatly ex- 

 cels the wool of the Cotswold in fineness and softness of fibre, and in the 

 number of fibres to the square inch on the sheep's back. In some indi- 

 viduals it is wavy or curly, but it is never harsh or wiry. Except the 

 face and the legs below the knees, the whole body is covered with a close 

 and compact fleece, which, when full grown, leaves no open line on the 

 back, as with the Cotswold, but gives a perfect protection to the sheep, 

 and causes them to present a smooth, handsome, and portly appearance. 

 Their fleeces have enough of grease and gum to preserve the softness and 

 vitality of the fibres, even to their ends, but not so much as to give the 

 sheep a dark and dirty appearance. Their wool receives domestic dyes 

 without any washing whatever, is easily cleaned on the sheep's back, and 

 when it is washed in soft water, with soap, it readily becomes very white, 

 receives chemical dyes, and preserves its lustre perfectly. It has gener- 

 ally commanded from three to five cents per pound more than any other 

 best combing wool in the markets of the vicinity ; and I desire to refer to 

 the opinions of several extensive and intelligent manufacturers who have 

 bought it frequently. Mr. L. C. Stedman, of Georgetown, says: "As re- 

 gards the wool of your sheep, I think very highly of it, being strong and 

 well adapted to our use for domestic purposes; cards and spins well, and 

 makes a good strong fabric." Mr. J. W. Martin, of Midway, says: "It is 

 in all respects superior wool, and peculiarly adapted to the manufacture 

 of jeans and linseys, and we have paid more per pound for it than for any 

 other wool." Mr. S. L. Brownell (an extensive and experienced manu- 

 facturer of Louisville) says: "I noticed particularly its working qualities, 

 and believe that no cross of wool could be effected that would improve 

 its working character. It seems to have length, strength, and texture, 

 and at the same time firmness, fineness, and softness of staple, which 

 render it peculiarly adapted to Southern and Western manufacture and 

 wear." 



Mr. Joseph Gorbut, of Woodford county, says : " I can and do with 

 pleasure say, that we prefer the wool of your 'Improved Kentucky' sheep 

 to that of any other we have ever used. When we take into consideration 

 the fineness of the texture, the length and evenness of the staple, the 



