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SHEEP INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES 



the average Merino fleece of fifty years ago by which that improve- 

 ment can be measured, but it is evident in a marked degree. From 

 measurements made with great care and unchallenged accuracy in 1878, 

 it was ascertained that 1 square inch of surface of a pelt of a nice 

 fleeced Merino ram contained 230,000 fibers. The pelt was at least one 

 yard square, consequently contained 300,000,000 fibers, a number almost 

 too vast to comprehend, but supposing each fiber to measure 2 inches 

 in length and placed end to end, they would extend about 12,000 miles, 

 or nearly half way round the globe. And this thickness is capable of 

 still greater development, for the open spaces bear a large proportion 

 to the space occupied; comparable, as has been stated, to the open 

 space in thick- timbered woodland to that upon which the trees stand. 

 These close, thick fleeces are not only profitable, but are necessary in 

 cold climates such as Vermont and our northern tier of States. 



Dr. Cutting's investigation also disclosed the fact that in fineness 

 and evenness of wool the improvement was nearly equal to that made 

 in other directions. English measurements showed that the size of 

 Merino fibers was one seven-hundredth of an inch, and super-electa 

 Saxon wool (which is the finest in the fleece) was one eight hundred 

 and fortieth of an inch. Dr. Cutting's measurements are those as given 

 in the Vermont Eegister, volume 1 : 



