FOR SHEEPMEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3867, 24 April 1928, Page 20

FOR SHEEPMEN.

Clarence Edward Cowley, lecturer in charge of the sheep and wool department of the. Technical College, Sydney, is an authority on his subject, and one whom students and farmers can rely upon when consulting. Hence his book “Classing the Clin” (cloth, 15s net), which has been published by Messrs Angus nnd Robertson, Ltd., of Sydney, is of special value to nil interested in sheep and wool. “In the Commonwealth of Australia,” he says. “ where sheep and wool constitute the leading. pastoral industry, and therefore the mam factors in the prosperity of the country, there is an ever-increasing demand for information relative to either the production or the preparation of wool for sale. The inherent desire to be ' on top of the job ’ is a well-established characteristic of the British race, and consequently the progressive grower is anxious to acquire any knowledge that u-dl ennhle hi m to bring his business—for woolgrowing is now truly a business—to the most successful issue. My experi-

ence during the past 20 years has convinced me that much useful information can be gained from a text book. It is the next best thing to practical training.” It is, of course, impossible to acquire a thorough, knowledge of wool without much practical experience. Actual handling and working of wool is essential in order to develop those faculties which play such an important part in the determination of quality, besides developing skill and quick judgment, which readily distinguish a well-equipped and competent woolman. ■ Supplementary knowledge gained from .a text book has great possibilities when supported by practical experience arid keen observation. These should develop sufficient capacity at any rate-to assist materially in the production of the right type of wool and in its effective preparation for the market Such is the object of Mr Cowley’s book. The author has endeavoured to supply only essential matter, the work being practically a reproduction of his lectures (lehvered during the sheep and wool course. . it subject matter is mainly confined to. the preparation of the clip for market, with a brief outline of the procedure followed m its disposal, and is contained under the following headings:—The Structure of Textile Fibres, Wool and its Characteristics, Preparation of Wool for Market, Lambs’ Wool—lts Preparation for Market, Spinning Quality and Yield of wool XAool Classing in Operation. Size of tlie Clip, Crossbred Clips, Wool Pressing. The Shearing Shed and Drafting Yards, and Selling Wool by Auction, there are nine pages containing 32 coloured plates, representing various types eth H 1; T d - the Slll with Which each chapter is provided help to make the reading as lucid as possible.