Long Woolled sheep, (Lincolns, Leicester) with long staple wool (record length, 36".) and fleeces weighing up to 12 lbs. The Leicester fleece is softer, finer and better than Lincoln.
To the end of the 18th century Spanish wool was the finest and best wool in the world. Spanish sheep have since been introduced into various countries, such as Saxony, Australia, Cape Colony, New Zealand; and some of the best wools now come from the Colonies.
Alpaca, Vicuna and Llama wools are from different species of American goats.
Mohair from the Angora goat of Asia Minor.
Kashmir Wool from the Thibetan goat.
Camel hair, the soft under wool of the camel, which is shed annually.
The colour of wool varies from white to a very dark brown black, with all shades of fawn, grey and brown in between. The natural colours are not absolutely fast to light but tend to bleach slightly with the sun.
The principal fleeces are:
Lambs, 3 to 6 months growth, the finest, softest and most elastic wool.
Hogs and Tegs: the first shearing of sheep that have not been shorn as lambs.