THE FARM INDUSTRY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 599, 30 August 1909, Page 10

THE FARM INDUSTRY.

SHEEPFARMERS COMPARE NOTES. AT HASTINCS. FLEECE-ROLLING AND UTILITY POINTS. Over ono hundred sheopfarcnors and others interested in wool attended at we A. and P. Association's grounds at.Hastings oil Friday afternoon at a gathering organised by Mr. S. Wood, to hoar addresses on various kinds of sheep and wool. liach pcakcr gave a practical demonstration on sliecp kindly lent by Messrs. Hugh Campbell, D. Chambers, and J. D. Orniond. Mr. Miller (Mayor) presided. Tho Romney Marsh breed was treated on by Mr. F. Ilutchinson, who, in tho course ol an interesting address, said that breed took its name from a small district in Kent, bleak, windy, flat, and cold in winter, and hot in summer. Theroforo, as only the most robust sheep could withstand such a climate, this breed was consequently noted for its strong constitution. Wool and bone, as well as carcass, were largely influenced by the land this breed was produced on, so much so that this explained to some extent in his opinion tho wido variation of the sheep found in the New Zealand ehow-yards. It was difficult to.define tho type, especially as breeders did not all agree, and no himself would, stato that in solecting a Romney ram an indication of robust constitution was indispensable. Other indications were a strong, well-developed head, good scrag, fair depth of body, and well-fornied limbs and feet. His own fad w.as for a good, sound, love buck. Another important point was a eve (leoce in a small lock, well crimped and blocky. Ho urged those present to aid in bringing the term "crimp" into more common nso. as against the incorrect term serration. Crimp was a definite' term for curl in the lock-, while serration referred to .the small toothliko projections on each fibre. In good Merino wool there wcro between 2700 and 3000 senations to an inch; .in Lincoln* half that number. Serration added to crimp gave wool its valuable felting qualities and distinguished it from hair. In length of staplo breeders differed, but he thought this was influenced more by climate thai) by land: In districts of frequent and heavy rainfall, shortness and extra density enabledsheep to shake off the wet better. In drier climates longer staple was preferred, and was less likely to incur the criticism of London <wool experts, who several times of late had alluded to tlio deterioration, of North Island wool through use of short-staple Romney rams. Coal black nose, and ears well covered with white moppy hair' were of no commercial valuo, and, he believed, both in Kent and New Zealand, mottled or brown

noses predominated.. Mr. Hugh Campbell, speaking of Lincolns, after a practical demonstration, said Lincolns should have , bro&d head, and ears of goon colour, white ears being' unpardonable. The sheep should be wide in shoulders; and carry width along the back. Lincolns should have a well-covered back, although some preferred the back to be parted; 'and .the,. width of the locks should be : even right back to tho slim. Plenty of wool was favourable. Brown spots on tie legs were objectionable, but black spots were no detriment. Black -spots on the. ears, it had' been ,said, were worth £1 for every spot. Good, constitution characteristics were shown if the sheep were wide in brisket, top of head, and back; and were, well sprung in ribs, with short .head and thick nose. ' , Mr. G. Elliot, speaking on tie Border Leicester, said this breed was in great favour. As a quick-maturing sheep it was at the top of the long-woollod sheep, and gave good lustrous wool. This breed produced good mutton and wool, and could live in poor country There was great difference between English Leiocstors and Border Leiccsters,. Uie .Border breed being bigger and more bony on points, and maturing more qnickly, whilst the EngliSh variety was an even , , welMvcollcd sheep with nice lustre, but small wurth. Iho Border' Leicester was the freest sheep from footrot in the' Dominion. It should have-white feet and black hoofs. , Spots , on the head were favourable. ; " , . .. ■-Mr. S. Wood, speaking, of- wool, said ciassers "did not trouble about breeds, their only concern being quality of wool. no demonstrated a system.of,.,.rolling which he claimed would add from-'Jd. to Id. per lb. to the value of tho fleece. Rolling a fieeeo in ■the old way showed the tender back, which Was only 10 to 20 per cent, ; of the fleece. Votes of thanks for tho demonstrations closed a most instructive and interesting event. • . -