368 THE BREEDS OF LIVE-STOCK 
wool borne by these sheep. In some families of Merinos, 
the body surface is increased by folds or wrinkles on the 
skin, which increase the wool-bearing surface. These 
folds are especially pronounced about the neck, and 
sometimes make huge “ collars.” 
451. The wool. — Merino wool is most esteemed when 
it is fine. The diameter of a fiber of Merino wool varies 
from zoo to zs00 Of an inch, while the fibers of the English 
breeds vary from 34% of an inch for an Oxford Down, to 
ays of an inch for a Southdown. It should also have a 
short crimp throughout its entire length, and should be 
strong, silky and well supplied with white oil. This oil 
protects the wool fibers, but at the outer ends it collects 
dust and gives the coat a dark and uninviting appearance, 
which is dispelled when the wool is opened and the beauti- 
ful white and glistening interior is viewed. 
The density of the wool is an essential factor, since on 
that depends the weight of the scoured fleece. Sufficient 
oil to protect the fleece is essential, but a surface of 
grease 1s unnecessary, and in recent years has been 
recognized as undesirable. During the so-called Merino 
craze that existed in America soon after the Civil War, 
the aim was to get as heavy a fleece as possible, and 
many breeders unwisely sought to attain this result 
by breeding sheep with very greasy wool. It was 
learned, however, that this only enfeebled the sheep 
without bringing any sufficient compensation, and in 
recent years breeders have sought to produce animals 
bearing only sufficient oil to protect the fleece well. 
The amount of oil carried by Merino fleeces varies 
with the different families, the American or Spanish types 
having most and the Rambouillet perhaps the least oil. 
Merino fleeces have been grown so heavy with oil that 
