The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1883-02-23
WOOL WASHING.

It is commonly understood by wool
growers in this section that all I'M
washed wool is subjected to discount
of one-third. This is not the case in
the wool markets, as any one can salts
fy himself by consulting the market
reports of any reliable newspaper.
The different grades of unwashed
WOOL. as fine, heavy, medium and
coarse, are quoted with the same regu-
larity as washed wool. There is no
grade of wool quoted or sold at dis
count.
In this section of country nearly ev-
cry wool grower has one or more
fieeces of unwashed wool. Buyers take
advantage of this, and, regardless of
the condition of the wool, insist on
discount of one-third on the weight.
If all the wool were unWashad it would
be bought on its real value-that is,
the secured pound. If the reader will
look over the wool markets as quoted
in the Inter Ocean of Feb. II, he will
find that washed woods are quoted dull
and little inquiry, while unwashed
are more active. The wool grower can
rest assured that uuWashed wool in the
general market sells as readily as
washed, and that every pound he grows
will be needed.
The manufacturer whether he buys
washed or unwashed wool, buys it on
the basis of the cost of the secured
pound of wool. The wool is neither
benefited nor injured in quality by
washing on the sheep. Some mills use
altogether washed woods and some un-
washed, and neither can give any other
reason than they are accustomed to it..
Washed or unwashed has to go through
the same process of securing.
The wool market in this county offers
premium to the grower to wash his
sheep, and then get as much dirt in the
wool as he can before shearing. There
are large number Of wool growers in
Kenosha county who take pride in
| shearing their wool clean, and placing
| it on the market in fine condition. But
| if they get cent pound more than
their ne1ghbor who shears in July, with
the obligation to keep the price pro-
| found secret, they seem satisfied. The
man who shears late and gets his
fleeces as heavy as before washing sells
% per cent. more dirt and gets within
a cent a pound as much as his neighbor
who takes pride in having his wool
white and light.
There are so many serious objections
against washing sheep, and good
many reasons in favor of marketing
wool unWashed, it would seem as
though this reform would come about
of itself. But it is found to be easier
to travel in the old ruts, and labor is
required to make new and better
road. A convention of the wool grow
ers of this county would certainly be
of benefit to their interests. We car
learn something by an interchange OF
views and experience. However desir
able it may be to bring about this re
form in abolishing the barbarous prac
tice of washing sheep, it can only bt
done by the united action of wool grow
ers. Iagain invite you to write to me
If you would like to have meeting Of
sheep men. please to say so, and pledg,
yourself to attend the meeting, anG
suggest some convenient place of meet
ing. Several prominent wool growers
are interested in this reform, and ar,
ready and willing to meet their breth
rem in any part of the county. In or
der to cooperate with all sheep-breed
ers,it will be necessary to have meeting
at two or three different points in tn
county. If sufficient interest is mani
tested, meetings will be called.
Very respectfully,
r. f. ROBERTS.
Woodwork, Wis, Feb. 20, 1888.