1 Noy., 1899.] QUEENSLAND AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL. _ 44.9 
excess of the ordinary demand; a result 
increase of length of staple in paddock-fed 
were shepherded. 
Soundness.—Y ouatt says: “A wool fibre is sound when its substance is 
healthy throughout, and does not show any breaches or withered parts.’ A 
sound fibre has a certain degree of strength, so that it can withstand a 
comparatively strong pull without breaking. Any sound and true fibre may be 
pulled out of its natural curve until it looks perfectly straight, and the degree 
of its strength may then be ascertained by ob8erving how much farther the same 
fibre may be extended without breaking. A fibre may be perfectly sound and. 
healthy, and yet have no strength. ‘This can only be accounted for by a peculiar 
condition of the individual animal. There are frequently to be met with such 
wools, though cut from perfectly strong and healthy animals, that haye not the 
strength that could naturally be expected. This admits of no explanation, and 
it shows us that strength of fibre is a quality that must be bred for, and that 
must be systematically developed by careful selection, We may call this the 
“specific strength” of the substance of the wool fibre, which is inno way related 
to the diameter of it. For instance, a steel wire equal in thickness to one of 
copper is much stronger than the latter, and it is this specific strength to which 
the breeder has to pay attention. ; 
Strength is indispensable to all kinds of wool tha 
process of combing, Il-fed combing wools without strength are next to useless 
for that purpose. The value of clothing wools is not so much lessened if 
slightly wanting in strength, provided they are good in other respects. As long 
as a staple composed of a few fibres gives a clear sound, if pulled like the string - 
of a musical instrument, we may pronounce it as strong enough for most 
purposes. The strength of the substance of the wool fibre differs almost 
~ as much as that of steel, iron, and other metals. Wool has also a limited amount 
of ductility. 
Elasticity.—In common life we call “ elastic ” every substance which, havin g 
been expanded or compressed, bent or stretched, tends to resume its former 
state and position—for instance, watch-springs, indiarubber, feathers, &e. 
Elasticity is one of the most necessary qualities of any wool, not only because 
elasticity is a symptom of a healthy condition, but much more, as without it no 
yarns could be spun fine and strong in the meantime, Hlasticity may be seen 
in different ways—(1) By pulling a staple out of its waving and letting it go 
again; (2) by bending a staple ; and (8) by compressing a quantity of wool. 
The quickness and energy by which the wool resumes its waved form, its upright 
direction, and its natural volume are signs of its elasticity. Elasticity alone, 
however, does not fully answer the purposes of the Spinner unless it be of a 
gentle nature. The spinner values a wool far higher if its elasticity is of a 
pliable, supple nature, as it will then allow itself to be easily twisted and pulled 
without suddenly going back into its former position. Perault de Temps dis- 
tinguishes three kinds of elasticity—l’ elasticité du Srisé, Velasticité du retirement, 
and Velasticité du redressement ou du volume. The first kind of elasticity shows 
itself if we take a single fibre and pull it out of its waving until it breaks. ‘The 
broken parts of the fibre should then quickly resume their original wayed 
appearance. ‘The second kind will be observed if a small staple, upon being 
pulled out, returns at once to its former length; and the third kind by taking 
amply verified through the great 
sheep in comparison to those that 
t have to undergo the 
b) 
a handful of wool, pressing it tightly together, and opening the hand suddenly. 
The wool of great elasticity rises up at once into ity former yolume. That 
gentle, supple, and at the same time energetic elasticity which we observe in 
all wellbred and well-nourished wools is entirely wanting in wools taken from 
dead sheep. 
I believe that the several phenomena of elasticity are owing to a peculiar 
nature of the cortical substance, and are chiefly the result of breeding. Teedin 
has far less to do with it. TI have handled fleeces from healthy and well-fed 
sheep, grown on the richest country, and found them entirely void of elasticity ; 
and I have observed others, not very well fed, grown on poor mountainous 
