H.— 34a.

It can be seen, therefore, that any wool-research scheme must be comprehensive if it is to be a lasting effort and if continuous progress is to be made. It would be better to make it a " sheep-recording scheme" so that all factors affecting sheep-production can be co-ordinated. Wool is only one link in a worn chain, and while the strengthening of this link, without due regard to the other links, may improve matters temporarily, it cannot lead to a final definite improvement. We have, in the work of the Wheat Research Institute, such a co-ordination of effort. Quantity of grain, flour-yield, baking-score, i.e.., quality of flour, are all receiving definite attention. Such an effort is equally important with regard to sheep work. It will be seen that both the above reports stress the possibilities of increasing the average quality of our clip without recourse to big-scale breeding experiments towards new types. Nevertheless the possibility of the latter must not be lost sight of. The Corriedale breed was evolved with this end in view, and it is not impossible that a type may be evolved for our North Island hill country particularly which will combine the desired finer wool and a carcass suitable for Smithfield. During the past few years many producers have made experiments in various crossings, with the view to improved returns. This uncorrelated experimentation is on the whole expensive. Yet, if the results were examined by a competent geneticist and the information integrated and published from time to time, much useful information would probably be obtained, and duplication of less promising breeding practices avoided. In connection with programmes of work in wool-research, it may be well to add the general recommendations of Dr. Nichols (" A Study of Empire Wool Production," page 140) —- In conclusion, it is suggested that for solution of the general problems from the producers' point of view the following are required :— (1) A study of wool supplies including consideration of— (i) The relationships of sheep-types in the general organization of the industry in each country and trends of production ; (ii) The most suitable environment for given types of sheep ; and (iii) The bulks contributed by individual animals to the whole supply. (2) Investigation of specific defects of the different types of wool from the manufacturers' point of view, and of the desired wools in relation to the welfare of the animal. (3) Inquiry into the best means whereby the breeder may recognize characteristics which are undesirable in manufacture. (4) Examination of the possibility of eradicating or reducing the undesirable features or of influencing, by selection and husbandry, the kind of wool produced by a given type of sheep. (5) Research into the economic conditions which affect or limit the possibilities of including in practical sheep husbandry the results of any of the above. In addition to work in the direction of carrying-out the above suggestions, major avenues of useful inquiry are in the direction of utilization and marketing. A thorough survey is advisable of the uses to which crossbred wools are put and the possible extension of utilization. Preliminary chemical work has shown that it may be possible so to treat the work as to render it softer and capable of finer spinning. If successful this would increase the avenues of utilization. It has also been suggested that the problem of solution and reconstitution of fibres with the elastic properties of wool is not insoluble. As regards preparation for marketing, there appears to be definite possibilities of improvement both as regards better classing and possibly a wider use of binning. Such improvements could be quickly adopted. Any step seems desirable which will make wool more attractive, and the only way to obtain the best available competition from buyers is to put the wool on the market in the most attractive manner. Mixed lines of crossbred wool are almost always bought on the bulk quality showing, and nothing extra is obtained for the proportion of finer wools which such clips invariably contain. It has also been suggested that much of our coarser wool in particular could, with advantage, be sorted into matchings and scoured prior to export; similarly with regard to bellies and pieces. It may be asked why should freight be paid on the large proportion of grease and dirt and waste material. Could not the saving in freight thus made be reflected back to the producers in the form of a higher net return ? There are apparently many technical factors against this suggestion being adopted as general practice. Spinners in general are apprehensive as to whether

Necessity for Experimentation in Breeding.

Export of Scoured Wool.

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