means of ducts (popularly termed “рогеѕ,)" a complex 
network of blood vessels (F) connected with the general 
circulatory blood system of the body and the usual nervous 
mechanism, So faras wool production goes we need only 
give special attention to the follicles. 
The functions of the follicle are controlled by the 
nervous system, and its supply of “raw materials” for the 
* manufacture " of wool fibre is conveyed to it in the main 
blood stream, and from the blood stream to the follicle by 
the smaller blood vessels. 
If we examine the follicle in cross section we find a very 
complicated structure consisting of various sheathing 
layers like the successive skins of the onion. 
At the base of the follicle is a knob-like body termed the 
“papilla,” (Bj the function of which is to supply the 
material employed in building up the wool fibre, and to 
place it in position so that it becomes attached to and 
forms part of the out-growing wool fibre. 
The wool fibre issues from the follicle through a tube- 
like membrane which acts as a mould in forming the fibre, 
the latter being built up from below by the addition of 
"fresh growth" thrown off by the papilla, as described 
above. 
It must be mentioned that associated with the follicle 
are sebaceous or oil glands (C) from which a fatty matter, 
known to sheepmen as “ yolk ", constantly exudes through 
ducts opening into the cavity from the wool fibre emerges; 
consequently the latter carries out with it a portion of 
olk. This appears to be a natural provision for lubrica- 
ting the fibre and protecting it from destructive external 
influences such as rain and cold. Probably also it helps 
to keep the skin in a pliant condition, and also prevents 
matting of the wool. . 
Having regard to the extreme complexity and delicacy 
of the whole mechanism involved in the production of 
Wool Fibres, it is easy to understand why any injury to 
the skin may so derange it as to cause either a complete 
check to the formation of wool, or the production of im- 
perfect fibres. The use of crude dips (such as Lime and 
Sulphur, or Caustic Soda and Sulphur or the Home-made 
Arsenic Dip) is oneof the most common causes of injury 
to the skin and the wool: whilst, on the other hand, a 
properly prepared Arsenical Sulphur Dip greatly stimulates 
the growth of healthy Wool Fibres, Arsenic being a re- 
cognised Skin Tonic, but only if applied in the special form 
found in Cooper's Powder bip. à 
