74 The Shepherds^ Guide. 



days in a clean pasture, that the wool may become 

 dry, and that the yolk may in some measure rise 

 again, which renders the wool more soft and 

 supple. In Sweden, some Merino breeders place 

 the animal on his back, with his head up, in a large 

 tub, wash him well with warm water, with a mix- 

 ture of a small quantity of stale urine or soap- 

 leys, and finally cleanse him in pure water. This 

 appears to be an excellent practice ; is particular- 

 ly recommended by Mr. Bakewell, and is said to 

 render Spanish wool seven per cent, cleaner than 

 by washing it in cold water ; with much less risk 

 of being felted than when so washed, after being 

 shorn. 



In order to render Merino wool fit for the 

 manufacturer, much more care and skill are ne- 

 cessary, and several processes are recommended 

 for that purpose. But, as many of these are intri- 

 cate, and some of them dangerous in the hands of 

 unskilful persons, it is safest to leave them to the 

 manufacturers ; contenting ourselves with cleans- 

 ing the wool, so far only as will fit it for the mar- 

 ket. 



Shearing, This is a business which our far- 

 mers are too apt to hurry and slight. They seem 

 more anxious to finish the work in a short time, 

 than to do it well. But, besides, that close and even 

 shearing adds to the weight of the present fleece^ 

 it is certain that the fleece of the next year will 

 be the better and the weightier for it. Merino 



