34 PROPERTIES OF WOOL. 



by extension, but the fibre placed in the instrument as it 

 naturally grows upon the sheep. From M. Lafoun's work 

 on German management of sheep, the following is extracted, 

 bearing on this point : 



" Those breeding pure Saxons, inspect their flocks three 

 times in the year ; before winter, when the selection of 

 lambs is made, in the spring, and at shearing time. Each 

 sheep is placed in its turn on a kind of table, and examined 

 c arefully as to the growth, the elasticity, the pliability, the 

 brilliancy, and the fineness of the wool. The latter is as- 

 certained by means of a micrometer. It being found that 

 there was an evident connection between the fineness of the 

 fibre and the number of curves, this was more accurately 

 noted, and the fpUowing table was constructed. The fleece 

 was sorted in the manner usual in France. The fineness 

 of the Superelecta, or picklock, is represented by a span 

 corresponding with the number 7 on the instrument." 



The above will show the necessity of more care with 

 wool-growers in breeding from siich sheep only whose woo) 

 • approximates nearest to the principle laid down, as it is to 

 this curled form of wool its most valuable uses depend. If 

 is one agent, though not the principal, in producing the phe- 

 nomena of felting. " It materially contributes to that dispo- 

 sition of the fibres which enables them to attach and entwine 

 themselves together ; it multiplies the opportunities for this 

 interlacing, and it increases the difficulty of unravelling the 

 felt." 



The numerous and minute curves being, as observed, emi- 

 nently characteristic of the pure Saxon and Merino, will 

 serve as a sure test, in all cases, of the purity of blood, aijd 

 therefore afibrds a certain and unerring guide in the selection 

 of breeding sheep. If it is rightly adhered to, the every day 

 attempts to dispose of grades for high-bred sheep will be 

 frustrated. 



