FINE WOOL SHEEP HUSBANDRV. 185 
cent., and “even a higher percentage of loss on rams’ 
and fat wethers’ fleeces.” 
Mr. L. Pomroy & Sons, woolen manufacturers of 
Pittsfield, Mass., write that “the yolk has more ten- 
dency to grow the wool together, and cannot be 
scoured out to take even colors, particularly an indigo- 
blue.” The word yolk is undoubtedly here used (as 
some writers have used it) to signify that bright 
saifron-colored substance which appears on wool, 
which is technically termed “ yellowed,” and which 
is accompanied with more or less felting on the back, 
or “cotting,” as farmers termit. In “ cotted” fleeces 
the felting sometimes extends but a little distance 
from the skin, sometimes far enough to prove very in- 
jurious. 
[ find the color of the yolk in the original Spanish 
sheep alluded to bunt by very few writers. But Lord 
Somerville, who visited Spain in 1802 for the purpose 
of examining its Merinos and bringing home a flock, 
and whois generally a very accurate writer, makes 
the following statement in his Essay on Sheep: “ By 
yolk is meant that yellow substance which escapes 
from the skin and is to be found in the wool of every 
Merino sheep when in health and good condition.” 
And the very name of yolk for this substance, which 
I believe came from Spain, would, if I have not mis- 
taken its derivation, simply the same fact. I take it 
for granted that it obtained that name from its resem- 
blanee in color and consistency to the yolk of an egg. 
Ihave pursued this question of color thus far be- 
cause the establishment of an imaginary criterion of 
excellence is always very unfortunate to the breeder. 
It not oniy directs his time and efforts towards an 
