WOOL. 203 



fairly generally to South Australian produce, although it is on the 

 whole well grown. 



Woollen Processes Greasy Wool. Fig. 129 is a small sample of 

 raw merino wool just as it was received in its greasy condition at a 

 woollen spinning factory in a country district of Yorkshire. Wool in 



Fig. 129. Raw merino wool. 



the grease contains a great deal of yolk, which causes it to assume an 

 oily or dirty yellow colour. Various kinds of impurities are met within 

 it at this stage, and the wool retains its curly locks-like character. 



The famous scientist Chevreul analysed the wool in its greasy or 

 natural state, and gave the results as follows : 



Earthy substances, 26 '06 



Suint, or yolk, 3274 



Fatty matter, 8 '57 



Earthy matter fixed by grease, . . . . . 1 '40 



Clean wool, 31 '23 



100-00 



Wool wasliing, when properly carried out, has the effect of making 

 the staple pure, soft, and downy, while still retaining its elasticity and 

 fineness. 



Fig. 130 shows the same wool after it has been scoured and cleaned. 

 In this state it is more harsh to the feel or touch, more rigid in its 

 behaviour, and shows a much smaller amount of elasticity. 



