Studies in the biology of the fleece of the Scottish mountain Blackface breed of sheep

Abstract

1. A short history of the Scottish Mountain Black - face breed is given with particular reference to the development of the fleece.2. Data are presented of the analyses of the fleeces of 150 Scottish Blackface rams of different ages and of 40 ewe-hoggs aged one year.3. The analyses were obtained from the examination of four staples from the fleece, one from the point of each shoulder and one from the point of each haunch.4. The three classes of fibres to be found in the Blackface fleece are described -- wool, long hair -like fibres, and kemp. Mention is made of the varying character of the fleeces in different parts of Scotland.5. A description is given of the technique of analysis for arriving at the count and weight proportions of the fleece, on which the discussion and conclusions are based.6. Data are presented of the differential growth rate of the fibre types and the shedding periods of the classes of fibres are discussed.7. The conclusions which are deduced from the statistical treatment of the results of the fleece analyses are discussed, and a short speculative survey is made of the position which Blackface wool holds or may hold in the market.8. Graphs, histograms, and photographs explain points of importance wherever possible and summaries of statistical results are given.9. Tables of analyses of the fleeces are appended.