Volume 71: Macarthur family papers relating to wool and sheep, 1820-1936: No. 131
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[Page 131]
29
In the very fine flocks, where Wool only is attended to, the Wethers being kept in low condition, seldom fetch more than 1 or 2 Thalens 3/- or 6/. In some flocks, they are altogether unsaleable, except to the Tanner, for the value of the skin.
Mr Schutze described the mode of washing & shearing as follows: The flock is soaked in the evening, and again in the morning, previously to being washed. The latter part of the operation, occupies 20 Men, about five hours. The number of Sheep, it will be remembered, is 1000.
The Shearing in general takes place on the 2nd day from the washing. Drying in a warm sun is considered to give the fleeces a brighter colour, than when they dry indoors. The Shearing is performed principally by Women. So many Shearers are collected, that the whole flock is completed in a few hours,