THE FLEECE AND ITS EXAMINATION 



429 



other things being equal, the heavier the yield. If the 

 wool opens freely, it shows lack of density. One quickly 

 notices differences in density by the grasp of the hand of 

 the fleece of different sheep, and, even by the eye, one may 



Fig. 235.- 



-"One quickly notices the differences in density by tbe grasp of 

 tbe hand of the fieece of different sheep." 



note the much greater prevalence of open locks in the tops 

 of some sheep than in others. 



Length of fleece or staple varies according to type or 

 breed of sheep, and also as to the portion of the body on 

 which it is produced. The Merino has a short fleece, and 

 two and one-half inches is quite a standard length for a 

 year's growth. Sheep of the medium wool class, such as 

 the Shropshire, easily produce a length of three or four 



