230 



Western Live-stock Management 



These terms originated at a time when about the only 

 sheep in common use were scrubs or natives and Merinos. 

 The terms one-half blood, and the like were used to des- 

 ignate the wools obtained from sheep having that pro- 

 portion of Merino blood. Custom has gradually caused 

 these terms to be used for certain definite grades of wool 

 regardless of the breeding. There are, of course, other 

 terms used, especially to designate sub-classes. 



Shrinkage or condition. 



When the wool comes from the sheep's back, it contains 

 a large proportion of oil or grease, together with a con- 

 siderable quantity of dirt, sand, and other foreign matter. 

 The buyer buys grease wools solely for the scoured wool 

 they may contain. The grease and dirt are worth noth- 

 ing to him. All of this material has to be removed in the 

 scouring process and is a complete loss. The actual 

 percentage of shrinkage varies with the weather, the soil, 

 the method of handling, and with the breeding. Generally 

 speaking, the fine wool ordinarily shrinks between 60 

 and 70 per cent, while the shrinkage on braid wool 



Shrinkage of Various States 



