Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1882-05-26
The Shearing Floor.

The steady annual increase in weight |
of fleece that is noticeable each shearing
time, bears fitting testimony to the in
telligence and liberality of American
breeders, who already have record
that will lose nothing in comparison
with that of their most fortunate prede.
cessors. A careful study of the shear
ing returns of the present year, and
their comparison with those made few
years ago, will reveal the interesting
fact that the increase in the aggregate
production of wool in the United States
is due, in a greater degree, to an aug
mented yield from each animal, than to
the increase in numbers of sheep. The
average yield of wool from each sheep,
in 1881, was more than so per cent.
above that of 1860, or about 81 pounds
per head in the former, as against 81
pounds per head in the latter year.
These figures possess great significance.
They demonstrate not only that more
than IL pounds of wool is now growing
where, with the same food and labor,
but one grew before, but that it is OF
superior quality--as the strength and
uniformity of fiber is largely dependent
upon the vigor and steadiness of its
growth. But the measure of improve
ment is not fully indicated by the shear
ing record. The high physical develop
ment necessary for securing good
fleece record, insures an increased meat
production, which finds ready welcome
in the best markets on either side of the
Atlantic.
The relation that the shearing floor
sustains to the breeding pen is such
that the aspiring breeder can rarely af-
ford to study the one disassociated with
the other. Speculation rs to the shear
ing qualities. of the shepherds favorites
must tarry at the threshold of the barn,
while they are subjected to the mex
orable test of the shears and scales. AS
the glamour of distinguished ancestry,
pale or glow under friction of the cru
most of the day on the shearing floor,
from the average of the flock standard,
the inferior ones are relegated to the
shambles, or some less exacting owner
ship. Weight of fleece should not be
the only sideratum--though when
estimated with reference to the percent
aye VI ScOuTcu WOOL IL VIII yIelu, weight
is prime consideration in
flock designed for wool growing.
Uniformity of fiber, as regards
both length and diameter throughout
the entire fleece, enhances its marketa-
BILE value. This value may be still fur
ther enhanced by securing uniformity
in all the fleeces, so that the examina-
tion of few will enable the buyer to
form a conclusion as to the entire lot
Thus, by a few years OF intelligent over
sight, the flock owner can secure repu-
tation for his wool that will insure him
ready sales at the highest ruling prices,
while his less careful neighbors are hold
ing and complaining of unsatisfactory
offerings from reluctant buyers. Com
petition in the wool manufacture has
forced buyers of raw material into a
more intelligent discrimination than
characterized their transactions a few
years ago; and while there is not yet so
broad line between really meritorious
clips and those thrown upon the market
in 2 slovenly or deceptive condition,
there is yearly Frightening prospect
for those who strive to secure something
more than reputation for good work
through careful oversight OF the shear
ing floor. National LiUe Stock Journal.