Nov., 1912.] 



ANNUAL REPORT*. 



25 



interested procure copies of this bulletin as it contains pictures and a large 

 number of tables. 



From the data gathered in this breeding experiment the investigators have, 

 so far, been led to believe that the wrinkles or folds, which are so characteristic 

 of the Merino, behave in a Mendelian fashion. So far, from the data collected 

 this particular phase of the investigation offers some interesting data, and no 

 doubt the next publication will most likely deal with these characters. 



The following chart shows clearly the measurements that are being taken 

 on all the sheep: 



RECORD CHART. 



Section of record chart, showing the system of taking and recording measurements. 



After the records of enough of the F. + F* generations have been taken 

 and recorded as shown above, any correlation may easily be detected. 



In the fibre testing a sample of wool is taken from the shoulder of each of the 

 sheep used in the experiment and several hundred of the fibres are tested, 

 record being made of length of fibre, crimp length, elasticity and tensile strength 

 of each separate wool fibre. These records should offer an opportunity for some 

 interesting data, and some important facts may be revealed upon comparison 

 of parent fibres with those of the F and F 2 generations. The diameter and 

 weight of a number of the fibres is also calculated, and the percentage of yolk 

 in the fleece is determined by scouring samples from each fleece. 



