FELTING. 



45 



The annexed cuts exhibit microscopic views of the fibres 

 of wool from picklock samples of Merino and South Down 

 fleeces. The relative difference of serrations cannot be 

 conveniently delineated in a plate : a marked difference, 

 however, will be observed in the construction of the lamellae. 



No. 1, a fibre of Merino wool as a transparent object; 

 No. 2, the same, as opaque. No. 3, a fibre of South Down 

 wool, transparent : No. 4, the same, opaque. 



MICROSCOPIC VIEW OF WOOL. 



No. 1. No. 2. No. 3. No. 4. 



The following observations by Mr. Youatt, whose inde- 

 fatigable zeal and dilig^ence in the investigation of many 

 particulars embraced in the present chapter, entitles him to 

 much honor, will conclude the subject : — 



" There can no longer be a doubt with regard to the 

 general outline of the woolly fibre. It consists of a cen- 

 tral stem or stalk, probably hollow, or at least porous, and 

 possessing a semitransparency not found in the fibre of hair. 

 From this central stalk there springs at different distances, in 

 different breeds of sheep, a circlet of leave-shaped projec- 



