A man, a boy, and a dog stand in the pen in the straw yard outside, and act as janitors, guides, and general overseers. These unshaven sheep stand and stare and bleat, and regard suspiciously their neighbour who is being manipulated, as if it were “a tainted wether of the flock,” which is being punished for some unrevealed fault of its own.
Two days ago the sheep underwent a searching examination, and all clots of dirt were removed from the wool in advance, in order that the virgin fleece shall be soiled by no blemish. As we watch the shepherd grasp the sheep, fling it over on its side, and lay its head on his knee, we feel a touch of pity for the nervous, bleating creature. But the poor, silly thing need fear no evil; the man will neither hurt, nor unduly frighten his charges. He starts around the head and neck, which require a comparatively long time to clear. The sheep at this stage is lying on its back. An incision is made between the forelegs, and the operator works downwards to the tail, which is cleared with delicacy and patience. Then the four legs are gripped, and over the animal goes. The shepherd next runs his shears in concentric circles around the breast and flanks without either cutting the skin or leaving behind unsightly tufts, always, if possible, keeping the fleece entire, and free from flaws.
When he has trimmed the legs and the tail in a workmanlike manner, he sets the captive on her feet and allows her to run at liberty. The fine, slender-fibred wool around the neck is accounted the choicest portion of the spoil. All the loose bits, . . .