320 UNGULATA. 



Sheep washing and shearing have been practised 

 since time immemorial. We read of Judah going to 

 shear his sheep. In this country the washing usually 

 takes place in May, but in cold seasons, in June. After 

 this the Sheep are shorn, and are then re-marked with 

 red ochre or other substances. In Scotland the washing- 

 pools are circular, and are formed in the hills and 

 mountains by the side of a brook. Although washing 

 has been discontinued to a great extent in Australia, it 

 is still most desirable it should be continued in England, 

 on account of the superiority of the fleece. If the 

 Sheep in the London parks were washed from time to 

 time, it would benefit the animals, improve the wool, 

 and give a brighter aspect to the dreary landscape. A 

 steam- shearing machine has recently been introduced 

 into Australia ; although slower than a first-class 

 shearer, it is said to have the advantage of never 

 cutting the skin. 



Sheep, before being admitted into Tasmania, have to 

 undergo ninety days' quarantine, and various declara- 

 tions are also required from the owners, veterinary 

 surgeons, and captains. 



The wool of the Sheep forms an important industry 

 in this country. The total clip of wool in the United 

 Kingdom, not including the Isle of Man, was estimated 

 in 1886 by the Bradford Observer at 136,544,876 Ibs., 

 which, taken at lid. per lb., amounts to 6,258,300. 

 Five to six classes of wool are found on each animal. 



The best wool in England is that of the Super- South- 

 down. That of the Scotch, Welsh, and Devonshire 

 breeds is also very fine and good. In Devonshire the 

 clip is packed in long bags or bales, and then conveyed 

 to market in the carts peculiar to that country. This 

 is sold to the wool-staplers, who re-sell it to manu- 



