112 A COUNTRY READER. 



sheep there comes a soapy substance called yolk 

 which covers the under wool and helps the 

 animal to shed the rain. This keeps the body dry 

 and prevents the wool on a sheep's back from 

 felting. When the fleece is washed this yolk is 

 washed out and the fleece becomes much lighter. 



Notwithstanding this wise provision of nature, 

 sheep cannot stand constant wet, either overhead 

 or under foot, but they thrive best in cold, dry 

 weather, on dry, well- drained soil. 



In taking your wool to market see that it is 

 cleaned and prepared so that it is attractive both 

 to the eye and to the touch. 



Wool buyers have told the writer that English 

 wool often fetches a price under its real value 

 because farmers neglect to take this trouble. 



Many thousands of pounds each year are lost 

 to the agriculturists, fruit growers, and gardeners 

 of this country because of the slovenly and inar- 

 tistic manner their produce is sent to market. 



Care and Feeding. 



As wild sheep originally had their home amidst 

 cold and dry regions, it is necessary that the 

 pasture of the domesticated sheep should be dry 

 and well drained. The pasture also should be 

 constantly changed, and care should be specially 

 taken that the animals be not crowded too 

 thickly on the ground. 



