FLEECE CHARACTERISTICS 381 



about the thighs or elsewhere is very objectionable, although 

 it frequently occurs. 



Purity. — ^An examination of the fleece should reveal a clean, 

 pure condition. The skin should be of a healthy pink color 

 and from it the wool should grow evenly and without any 

 indication of kemp or dead fibers. The original sheep was 

 covered with a harsh, hair-like covering beneath which was a 

 soft-wool fiber. Domestication and improvement by man 

 has eliminated the coarse outer covering and in its place a 

 uniform covering of wool has been bred by proper selection. 

 Inclination to revert to the original condition should be dis- 

 covered, as dead, kempy wool is very objectionable because 

 of its undesirable qualities in the manufacture of fabrics. 

 Kemp will not absorb dyes and wherever these fibers appear 

 in the cloth they reduce the value materially because of the 

 discoloration and the harsh appearance in the product. 



Other than these dead fibers of wool, there should be 

 freedom from foreign material of any kind. While allowance 

 should be made for judging sheep in field condition, proper 

 care will avert a large part of the dirt and filth often found 

 in the fleeces upon examination. The introduction of any 

 preparation to increase the oil or yolk content or to improve 

 the texture or general appearance of the fleece is very 

 objectionable. 



Lustre. — The lustre of a fleece refers to the character or 

 glistening appearance of the fiber. Lustrous wools have a 

 glistening or brilliant appearance. Whfle this would seem 

 to make wool harsh it does not cause such a condition. Dull 

 wools are dead or lifeless in appearance and on handling 

 there is a very decided harshness characteristic of dead or 

 dry hair. When held to the light there is no tendency to 

 glisten. Wools of this character are very much less valuable 

 than those of a lofty, fresh lustrous appearance. 



Yolk.— Yolk is an oil secreted by oil glands. This exudes 

 on the fibers of wool and out to the extreme outer surface 

 where it collects and in some breeds forms a hard crust on 

 the coat. This condition is especially characteristic of the 

 fine-wool breeds which have an unusual amount of this oil 

 in the fleece. Sheep in healthy condition should show a 



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