ON SHEEP'S WOOL. 105 



stands better how to purchase, than the owner to sell, 

 for the reason, that the one sells only once a year, 

 whilst the other purchases every day. 



Q. How is the fleece washed on the sheep's back ? 



A. Each sheep is forced into a running stream as 

 high as the middle of his body, and the shepherd 

 also goes into' it, as high at least as his knees, and 

 rubs his hand over, and presses the wool at different 

 times, to clean it properly : this washing may be 

 made in stagnant water, if it be clear. But in places, 

 where there is only spring water, or that of wells or 

 cisterns, it is sufficient to use it with pails. It 

 is poured from a water-pot upon the wool of the 

 sheep, pressing it with the hand ; but if a fall of 

 water of three or four feet could be obtained, it 

 should be received into a tub, in which the sheep 

 should be alternately plunged : two men with their 

 sleeves tucked up, or covered with false sleeves of 

 glazed linen, would, in that case, wash them better, 

 than in any other manner. The experiment of wash- 

 ing with spring water has been for many years tried, 

 without the sheep deriving any inconvenience from 

 the coldness of the water. The sheep, which are 

 kept in the open air for the whole year, are often ex- 

 posed to rains, quite as cold as a bath from spring- 

 water. 



Q. What precautions should be taken before 

 shearing the sheep which have been washed ? 



A. It is necessary to wash them several times, in 

 order that the wool may be very clean, and have a 

 quick sale. After the last washing, the sheep should 

 14 



