A NOVEL INDUSTRY

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 214, 29 May 1918, Page 2

A NOVEL INDUSTRY

One of tho most interesting developments seen, recently is the utilisation of dogs' hair in the manufacture of wool,' and each day brings more and more inquiries to Lady GosfDrd at Burlington 'House (states "The Queen")._ Here tho actual process of spinning is in progress, and only more expert spinners aro. needed to turn more and more of the cq/iibings from long-haired dogs into tho most beautiful knitting wool. Continuous experiments '.vere made by the British Dogs' Wool Association, as the little band of organisers under Lady Gosford and Lady Algernon Gordon Lennox are* officially tilyicd, before the remarkable practical cuccess of their inspiration could be ascertained. It would have been a wonderful thing if such absolute waste aa tho combings of dogs eouild be utilised for even the roughest of wools in these days of shortage; but, iustoad Of this being the case, the wool is of surprising softness, that fiwrn some breeds being, indeed, of the rarest quality. A thrill runs through the least imaginative mortal who takes up a pale gold sock of silky lightness, yet of a per. eepfible warmth which can be felt by tho hand or when placed 011 the cheek, for ;•) -u-i 11.1IIy the first of iU J kind which the world has ever seen—a sock-knitted Hum iho combings of a Pekingese! Here is a big ball of white fleecy wool ready foi< the softest bed socks for wounded limbs—it comes from a white poodle; there, a big bundle of soft serviceable grev ready for cardigans or hard wearing" socks—the old English sheep dog gave of his lleecy coat to manufacture it. Here is another pile of black, stainless natural black iu ail its coal-like glossiness, i'or it owes its origin to a cmdyhaired retrieve:', while collies and cockers Chows and Pomeranians, masterful Borzois and perky little Yorkshires can all join forces in providing that which tho troops need so much, warm knitted comforts. And not only ; s the wool extraordinarily warm and soft, but it seemu to have unending wearing qualities. Any. way, there is a cardigan of spaniel's hair to be seen which has been in continuous wear right up at the front line since autumn, and has been washed again and a"ain, but still shows 110 sign of wear at afl. The scientific world has evinced much interest in the undertaking, ami the authorities of tho Victoria aud Albert Museum have opened a small exhibition in one of their rooms, specimens being lent from-the Central Workrooms for the purpose. I'he commercial world, too, has been quick to note possibilities, and over, turns have been made from important quarters; but while the war lasts the enterprise has no commercial side; all that i 13 wanted is the biggest possible supplj 1 of suitable combings, which will be spun ami carded into wool, and then knitted up into the hospital requirements for | which there is such urgent need. |