The Sheep-Scab. 37 



In handling the wools of Missouri and adjoin- 

 ing States, the follpwing classification is usually 

 made: First, as to quality, oi which there are 

 four grades — Fine, No. i Medium, No. 2, or 

 Low Medium, Coarse and Common. Second, as 

 to staple, or length of fibre, namely, Fine De- 

 laine, No. I Combing, Medium Combing, 

 Coarse or Low Combing. 



Fine wools, or X and above, as they are 

 classed in the washed fleeces of Michigan, 

 etc., are from such sheep as will grade three- 

 quarters blood Merino and above; the second 

 cross of thoroughbred Merino ram with a pure 

 Southdown ewe will yield this quality. The 

 fleeces are usually graded into two classes ac- 

 cording to condition of grease and dirt, namely, 

 Light Fine, being such as will lose in cleansing 

 62, to 66 per cent; and Heayy Fine, which in- 

 cludes bucks, heavy wethers, and ewes that will 

 shrink 70 to 78 per cent. These wools are used 

 in the manufacture of flannels, overcoatings, 

 cassimeres, and a variety of the finer qualities of 

 smooth finished goods. 



