PLUCKING SHEEP

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 41, 12 November 1919, Page 7

PLUCKING SHEEP

AVe arc eo familiar with the modern methods of ( R'heop-slicarimj, says Hio "Morning Post," that it probably never occurs even to those with a fnirly extensive knowledge of domestic live stock, that we havo a raoo of sheep which aro stripped of their coats by hand plucking. Tho most valunblo characteristic of tho littlo Shetland sheep is irs wool. Probably no other is so fine, light, and warm. Prom it the famous Shetland shawls aro made. An average fleeeo weighs about and it is easily plucked. .Tho growth of the hair in the spring raises the old coat, and if not removed it. would bo lost, This rooving of the fleece is spread over April, May, and June, as tho wool is not ripe at one time, tho sides, for instance, being ready a, week before the back will part with its covering. Shearing would incorporate, in the fleece the coarse young hairs, which require to be separated. The best quality of wool is the light brown, and the coawe.st black and while. Tn summer the Shetland sheep have''the run of common grazing, and in winter they are kept on the crofts and browse on seaweed on the rocks. Thev come long distance* for this sea fodder, and when the tide Urns they make for the shore. A legend HfrtriUiitecl to them is that, a worm in Hie tickle.' the sheep when the title is "lining.