Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 4, 1802).djvu/382

348&#93; 34B] WOO Onr limits not permitting us, to detail the results of their useful and interesting experitrjfnts, we shall only remark, that those who are about to select a flbck of sheep, whether for fattening, or chiefly on account of their wool, should not venture to purchase any animals without the assistance of an emi- nent wool-stapler; for such person, being conversant with the different qualities of wool, is doubtless bet- ter enabled to form an accurate judgment, th.an could be expected from any farmer or agriculturist. Besides, the situations to which sheep have been accu:>tomed, ought to be carefully investigated. Those, for instance, which i;ave been habi- tuated to hilly or mountainous pas- tures, should not be removed to a verdant plain : nor must the re- verse plan ever be adoj>fed ; for it is not the gigantic size that consti- tutes the value of sheep, but an ability to withstand the seasons, together with a disposition to fatten iindly, and to produce the largest quantity of fine wool, in poor lands. Jt is principal!}' by attending to the natural hzii% of this noble animal, tliat the Spanish wool has acquired such celebrity. But, as a connplete account of the management of sheep in Spain, would exceed the limits ofv^this work, we shall only recommend to the consideration of our country readers, three remark- able circumstances, to which the superiority of Spanish wool is ge- nerally, and we believe justly, at- tributed. The Jirst, is the use of Saltj which, being spread on small tiles or filatcs, the animals are driven among them, and permitted to lick them at pleasure ; though, when sheep depasture on lime- stone walks, no salt is required. Thus, WOO all acidity in the stomach is cor- reAed : as, however, the proJiibi- tory duty on that article cannot tail to prove a material obstacle to its more general consumption for such useful purpose, Lord Somerville proposes c balk to be substituted ; and he judiciously remarks that, as this fossil corre6l^s acidity in calves, it may, with equal advantage, be given to sheep. Second fy. In the month of Sep- tember, red or yellow ochre is, by the Spaniards, constantly rubbed into the wool, with which it incor- porates ; and, while it qualifies the perspiration of the animals, that would otherwise impart a harshness to the wool, it forms a covering alike impenetrable to heat and cold. The third, and most important, cause of the excellence of Spanish fleeces, is the rigorous observance of the mesta, or Code of Sheep- laws j in obedience to which, the climate must be changed accord- ing to the season, so as constantly to preserve an equal temperature. Thus, the fltcks are never turned out of the fold to feed, till the morning dews have evaporated j because these are extremely preju- dicial to the health of sheep; and frequently produce the rot of the liver, and also the foot-rot. Far- ther, these animals are regularly sweated, one or two da)'s previ- ously to shearing, in order to make the wool separate more readily ; and are likewise carclully housed (paiLcularly if the weati.er be cold. or rough) for several nights after th<:yhave bten shorn; a manr.ge- nient which, if it be essential to the prosperity of sheep in the more temperate climates ot Spain, is ab- solutely necessary in Britain.— Those of our readers, who wish to investigate this important bubjed^