Merino-Ryeland Breed of Sheep. 5 1 7 



Were the growers of fine wool in England to concur with me in opinion as to 

 the propriety of preparing it for sale by washing it in the Spanish method, this 

 would be best effected by the corjstruction of public lavatories as in Spain, in 

 which the wool of each proprietor might be carefully washed, at a fixed rate of 

 expense. In such a case it will readily suggest itself to every person acquainted 

 with our present proficiency in the arts, that considerable improvements would 

 immediately be made on the directions of Gilbert. Till that period, every indivi- 

 dual, acting for himself, should choose experienced workmen, who would perform 

 in the best manner every part of the process. 



The wool thus washed, being only in the Spanish state, and still containing a 

 portion of the yolk, which consists of fat incapable of being detached by the sapo- 

 naceous part aided by hot water, farther means will be necessary in order to remove 

 it. To effect this purpose our manufacturers employ urine. According to Vau- 

 quelin, fresh urine, which contains uric acid, and therefore decomposes the soap 

 of the yolk, is, on that account, detrimental to this operation ; and stale urine, 

 which derives its power merely from a small proportion of ammonia and mild pot- 

 ash, is inadequate to it. Nevertheless, it certainly succeeds in this country ; which 

 our manufacturers explain by supposing that the urine of beer drinkers is chemi- 

 cally different from that of those who drink weak and ascesent wines. Whether 

 this be true, or whether the difference arise from some superiority of skill in our 

 workmen, I cannot determine. Some persons recommend, for the same purpose, 

 a small quantity of pot ash or soda; and Vauquelin advises soap, in the proportion 

 of about one-twentieth of the weight of the wool. 



The Romans were of opinion that the fleeces of their sheep were rendered finer 

 and heavier by the processes of unction and salt-water bathing, which they em- 

 ployed as preservatives against the scab, and which I have already described. 

 Columella, indeed, recommends that they should be thrice a year anointed with 

 oil and wine, and washed in fine weather. * Of this process I have had no experi- 

 ence j and the methods which I have described are the best, with which I am 

 acquainted, for doing justice to the wool of the various Merino breeds. 



Agriculturists differ much as to the propriety of shearing the lambs. I have 



• Saepius ejus lana diducenda, vinoque et oleo insu:canda, nonnunquam etiam tota est elu- 

 enda, si diei permittit apricitas : Idque ter anno fieri sat est. Columell. vii. 4. — Nee dubium 

 est quin etiam ob earn rem lana quoque moUior atque prolixior renascatur. Columell, vii. 4. 



