Wool in Relation to Science loith Practice. 
325 
affecting Felting Theory," really first suggested by M. Monge,* 
is opposed by those who attribute this remarkable property 
to the yolk (sebaceous secretion) : the practical Bakewell tells us 
that " cotted-wool " is where, from adverse causes, yolk ceases, 
and wool partially felts on the sheep's back. On the whole, 
upon the evidence, I incline to the opinion of Professor Brown,! 
who, amongst other replies, has kindly favoured me with the 
following observation ; — " The essential character of the felting 
property has not yet been determined ; neither serration nor the 
presence of yolk sufficiently explains it." There can be little 
doubt that the invaluable English long wool has deteriorated ; 
what it has gained in quantity it has lost in quality.:}: It has been 
said that a fine open winter produces more wool than a severe one, 
but the wool is coarser. Flush of food increases quantity at the 
expense of quality : naturally too rapid growth is inconsistent 
with perfection — true uniform fibre from root to point — elastic, 
not easily broken, with shining silvery lustre — and, above all, of 
great density. The famous Mr. Bakewell, of Dishley, said, to grow 
fine wools on rich pastures you must overstock them. Disease, a 
want of food and warmth, causes the secretion of the wool-forming 
fluid to cease, making a jointed staple which breaks where the 
stoppage took place. It would appear there is a general impression 
we have too much indiscriminate breeding — too much uncertainty 
in regard to food and treatment — and both at home and in the 
Colonies there would appear to be many ideas and opinions all 
converging towards the establishment of sheep studbooks. 
Before conducting the Animal Phyriologist for the purpose of 
consultation with the chemist, especially in regard to yolk, its 
uses and properties, perhaps the most practically interesting 
point in my scientific inquiry, I have a word to say in regard 
to that all-important scientific instrument, the improved micro- 
scope. What may not be done for us by the combined use of the 
photo-electric microscope, § photography, micrometer measure- 
ments, and the other scientific great guns Avith which science 
now batters down ignorance and prejudice? Old Mr. Youatt, to 
whom we are so much indebted for important investigations in 
this direction, confidently expected that advances in optical 
science would certainly lead to further discoveries. Mr. 
Bakewell also pointed to a fine field for microscopical inves- 
tigation, which field has not hitherto, so far as I am advised, 
* M. Monge ('Ann. de Cliymie,' torn. vi. p. 300). The felting of wool is an 
eflfcct rtsulting from the external conformation of the several fibres which have 
lying one over the other from head to tail scales like those of a lish. 
t Professor of Physiology, Koyul Veterinary College. I have had a kind offer 
of assistance from Professor Brown. He would apply the most recent optical appa- 
ratus to the study of particular specimens of wool. 
X See note, page 318. 
§ Ganot's ' Physics,' Atkinson's edition, 1873, p. 488. 
