CHOOSING AND JUDGING SHEEP 375 



bottom, it is spoken of as "weak bottoms"; when near the 

 middle, "weak middles," and when near the top, "weak tops." 

 If the fibers are resistant, each breaking in a different place, and 

 the crimp fine, close, and even, the fiber is sound. 



Condition of the fleece. — The chief factors to be considered 

 in determining the condition of the fleece are its purity, luster, 

 brightness, and the oil or yolk. The condition of the fleece is 

 influenced by breeding, feeding, and management, some breeds 

 possessing much brighter wool than others, some foods produc- 



FiG. 123. — Amekican Merino Ewes. Owned by W. M. Staley, Marysville, 



Ohio. 



The American Merino developed from the Spanish Merino, although they have 

 been much improved in America. This breed is noted particularly for the 

 strong, fine, and heavy fleece. Ewes shear from 10 to 15 pounds, while rams 

 easily attain 20 pounds of fine wool. In weight the ewes reach 100 pounds 

 and up, while the rams weigh 130 pounds and up, often attaining 200 pounds. 

 This breed is very popular in the United States. 



ing more yolk than others; and providing suitable quarters 

 and giving proper care keeps the wool much more clean than 

 otherwise. 



Purity refers to the freedom of the fleece from foreign ma- 

 terial. In the absence of proper management, where sheep are 

 long exposed to conditions opposed to thrift, the wool has a 

 tendency to revert to its original form. Hairs and dead fibers, 

 often called " kemp, " make their appearance. The fleece 

 that is loose and open often accumulates much chaff, pieces of 



