430 



JUDGING FARM ANIMALS 



Fig. 236. "The fleece of the long wool breeds 

 often exceeds six inches in twelve months' 

 growth." 



inches, while the fleece of the long wool breeds often ex- 



ceeds six inches in 



twelve months' 

 growth. It is quite 

 important that the 

 staple be uniform 

 in length, although 

 in the vicinity of 

 the shoulder the 

 wool is quite the 

 longest of the en- 

 tire fleece. 



The oil or yolk. 

 Associated with the 

 root of the wool 

 fiber are minute oil 

 glands. From these 

 the oil passes to 



the base of the fiber, and then works up along over the 

 scales until it reaches the end, lubricating and softening 

 the wool. Some sheep, such as the American Merino, pro- 

 duce a great deal of oil, which accumulates on the outside of 

 the fleece, where, when mixed with dust and dirt, it appears 

 almost as a dirty, black, gummy blanket. There is consid- 

 erable difference in the amount and character of this oil. 

 It should be rather colorless, but is frequently of creamy 

 or greenish tint. However, the relationship of color to 

 value is at present unknown. It is more abundant on the 

 fine wool breeds, which may scour off 60 per cent ^r a ore 

 oil and dirt, than on those with more open and Coarse 

 fleece, which may shrink only 25 per cent in scour- 

 ing. It is also found more on the front than on the hind 

 part of the body. If the fibers are uniformly oiled, there 

 is no danger of their becoming entangled or cotted. Some- 

 times oil gathers in flakes within the fleece, which is unde- 

 sirable, as indicating uneven strength of fiber. The oil 

 in the fleece is important, as imparting durability, softness 



