British Breeds of Sheep 101 



The length of the staple is very satisfactory in the 

 present market, as it grades as a medium combing 

 that brings a higher price and is in a stronger de- 

 mand than any other grade. The staple is from 

 three to four inches long uniformly over the body. 

 In respect to the quality of the Shropshire fleece, 

 there is considerable variation amongst the repre- 

 sentatives of the breed, but not more so than in 

 others, excepting the higher-bred Southdowns. The 

 fleece of the best representative is soft and fine, with 

 a close, even crimp from one end of the fiber to the 

 other. Then this quality is characteristic of all 

 regions of the body, though there are individuals 

 that strongly incline to coarseness of wool about 

 the thigh, neck, and head. The soundness and 

 strength of the Shropshire fiber in association with 

 its combination of length and quality add greatly to 

 its marketable value, as these are important qual- 

 ities in combing wools. In respect to the condition 

 of the fleece, the Shropshire is in the fore rank. 

 The fleece being dense, dirt and dust do not find 

 ready entrance, and as the wool is naturally bright, 

 it has a high position in regard to purity and bright- 

 ness. In lustre it is seldom, that a Shropshire fleece 

 will show the lustre that is more or less common 

 among the long-wooled breeds. The absence of lustre 

 and the scarcity of yolk are frequently associated, 

 and in both, the fleeces of this breed do not occupy as 

 favorable a position as the other features of condition. 



