THE FLEECE AND ITS EXAMINATION 431 



and brilliancy. A considerable amount of oil is highly de- 

 sirable in fine-wooled fleeces, and the point has been made 4 

 that profitable fleece cannot be raised without a hirgr 

 amount of oil, that it promotes the growth of the wool, 

 and that those who have tried to dispense with it or ma- 

 terially reduce it in their flocks, have met with serious loss 

 of wool and a deterioration of strength, fineness and even- 

 ness of fleece. A deficiency of oil causes the staple to be 

 dry, harsh and weak, and the tendency will be to thinness 

 and coarseness of fiber. In view of these facts, it is im- 

 portant to emphasize an abundance of oil, especially with 

 the fine wool classes. Even with the mutton type the judge 

 should seek for an abundant and uniform distribution of 

 oil through the fleece. 



The condition of the wool refers to the amount, char- 

 acter and distribution of the oil in the fleece, and the way 

 the wool responds when taken in the hand. Condition 

 also relates to the presence of foreign matter, such as chaff, 

 seeds, etc., and also kemp or gare. Some have used the term 

 "purity" as expressing the general condition and character 

 of fleece. 



An examination of the fleece should be made system- 

 atically. Commencing at the head, and gradually working 

 toward the hindquarters, the judge should part the fleece 

 on the neck, shoulder, side, thigh, and note its quality, 

 length, density, presence of oil and condition. This is 

 easily done by standing at one side of the animal and ex- 

 amining the fleece along the opposite side. In case of breed- 

 ing sheep having wool over the forehead, then this part 

 should be examined to note the character of head covering. 

 At this point very coarse wool, or even hair, is often found, 

 especially at the more central point. The back wool may 

 be examined, but this should be done with much care, as 

 it is quite desirable to keep this covering closed as much as 

 possible, to avoid establishing openings for chaff, etc. Care- 



* Special Report on the History and Present Condition of the Sheep Industry 

 of the United States, 1892, p. 314. 



