CHAPTER XXVI. 



SHEARING THE FARMER'S FLOCK. 



The shearing shed should be well cleaned out, so 

 that no rubbish gets mixed with the wool, to depreciate 

 its value. If the sheepyard is not paved, the grass should 

 be allowed to grow before shearing, so as to avoid dust. 

 Dust spoils the appearance of wool. Sprinkle water to 

 keep it down where necessary. 



The sheep should be dry or shearing should not be 

 proceeded with, and when the weather is inclement the 

 shelter of trees, etc., is a great comfort to newly shorn 

 sheep, and often saves the lives and health of many. 



The wool table, about 7ft. x 5ft., is made of battens 

 about IJin. wide, with a space of about Jin. between 

 each, to permit of the locks or second cuts to fall 

 through. When the fleece is placed on the table, out- 

 side uppermost, the stained and fribby pieces should be 

 taken off the edges, and after shaking the fleece to rid it 

 of dust and short pieces, it should be rolled, from the 

 breech to the neck. 



When the flock is small this is all the wool classing 

 that is necessary. When a fleece is decidedly below the 

 standard of the flock, or is dirty, it can be pulled to 

 pieces and thrown in with the short pieces. 



