200 BRITISH SHEEP AND SHEPHERDING. 



or 90's count of yarn (that is, 1 Ib. drawn or spun out to 44,800 

 or 50,400 yards per Ib.). In other words, although the spinning 

 capacity idea was the fundamental basis, the quality numbers are 

 now more or less artificial standards, fully recognised in the trade, 

 but somewhat difficult to get hold of and to be certain about on 

 the part of the unintiated. 



From these particulars it will be evident that the various breeds 

 of sheep will produce wools with various quality numbers. Thus 



Lincoln Hogg fleeces range from 40' s to 28' s quality. 



Wether 36's to 28's 



Kent fleeces 46's to 32's 



Cheviot ,, 50's to 36's 



Southdown fleeces 56's to 32's 



There is usually some relationship between quality number, 

 length and fineness. For example, 28's britch Lincoln is long and 

 coarse, 32's Lincoln is comparable with 32's britch Kent, and 50 's 

 Cheviot and 50's Oxford Down would also be comparable. But 

 there is no comparison in length between 32's Lincoln and 32's 

 Southdown ; here coarseness of fibre is the deciding factor. 



These brief particulars will give the wool-grower an idea as to 

 what quality in wool really betokens and also how to estimate the 

 quality in his own wools. Should he wish to go more deeply into 

 the matter, Messrs. Cassell's publication on " Wool Carding and 

 Combing " will just give him the information he needs. 

 In view of the interest taken in this matter by Colonial sheep - 

 breeders, and their constant attendance in the Textile Industries 

 Department of Leeds University and Bradford Technical College, 

 English sheep -breeders might well consider whether it would not 

 pay them to take short courses at one or other of these institutions. 

 Possibly a course in conjunction with the Agricultural Depart- 

 ment of Leeds University could be arranged with advantage. 



