CHAPTER XI 

 WOOL 



Breeders of fine-wool sheep study the fleeces of 

 their animals almost to the exclusion of attention 

 to carcass points. Raisers of mutton sheep cannot 

 afford to neglect the wool-bearing qualities of their 

 sheep. A good deal can be done to increase the 

 amount and value of the wool produced by mutton 

 sheep without impairing their usefulness as meat 

 producers. In addition to this, certain qualities of 

 the fleece are associated with general health and 

 vigor and adaptability to farm conditions. One of 

 the most important requirements in any fleece is 

 density. 



Density. — The density of the fleece means the 

 closeness of the fibers. Technically it means the 

 number of fibers that grow on a square inch. Den- 

 sity is not only of value to secure a heavy fleece, but 

 from a breeder's point of view, its chief importance 

 lies in the fact that it is more protection to the sheep 

 than a fleece that is open. Not only is a sheep with 

 a loose, open fleece more liable to contract cold from 

 exposure to rain or wind, but it is also more apt to 

 yield a dirty fleece, as the loose fleece catches the 

 dirt and dust and pieces of hay and straw. From 



219 



