Types and Market Classes of Live Stock 



225 



amount of yolk. Ill health, exposure to rough weather, or lack of feed 

 results in loss of softness. 



The soundness of wool refers to its freedom from weak spots. 

 Sickness, a sudden shock from a blizzard, lack of feed, a rapid change 

 from green to dry feed, or the reverse, and over-feeding often cause 

 the secretion of wool to be lessened for a time, thus producing tender 

 wool. Under the microscope the fibers are found to be narrow in those 

 parts produced under adverse conditions. Yarn made from such wool 

 will be lacking in strength. Sickness will often cause a distinct break 

 in the fiber throughout the fleece. (See Fig. 113.) 



Wool is said to have luster when the fibers glisten as though thinly 

 varnished. This feature is especially prized in long-wooled sheep. A 

 luster wool takes a dye more readily than does a dull, or lusterless, 



Fig. 75. — The mutton type. Note the wide breasts, short legs, short necks, 

 and nicely proportioned heads of these Southdown yearling ewes. 



wool. Furthermore, the luster is plainly apparent in the finished cloth, 

 improving its appearance. 



The color of the wool fiber should be a clear white. The occurrence 

 of brown or black fibers mixed in the fleece subjects the animal to 

 much criticism. Such wools cannot be used in the manufacture of 

 white goods or those of light shades. Unless the fiber has perfect 

 whiteness, a rich, brilliant dye cannot be secured by the manufacturer. 



As regards cleanness, all sorts and conditions of fleeces are found, 

 ranging from those above criticism, to those that are a mass of burs, 

 sand, bits of straw, manure, and other rubbish — the whole fleece being 

 matted together and constituting a product of no commercial value. 

 Cleanness depends mostly upon the conditions under which the sheep 



