This letter refers to the production of long wool and sourcing the fleece and breeding stock of the Lincoln long wool breed. He writes from Lincolnshire and is looking at developing opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. The breed became popular in the latter part of the 19th century and large prices were paid for stock particularly rams. They were bred for wool as well as meat. The breed had declined in popularity in the later part of the 20th century. This letter is part of the Bostock collectionA handwritten letter documenting the link between English markets and Australian sheep farmers.Pale blue paper, lightweight, handwritten in black ink.Joseph* Kirkhamwarrnambool, lincoln long wool, joseph kirkham lincolnshire, 1872, bostock

From other correspondence in this collection of letters we have established that Mr Kirkham is a breeder of long wool Lincoln sheep who was eager to establish the breed in Australia and New Zealand. Augustus Bostock is mentioned at the bottom of this letter To that end, he speaks of establishing a number of prizes called the Kirkham prizes with the emphasis being on the quality of the wool. He states as an aside at the end of the letter,” I have now determined to export my best sheep leaving the home ** to my father and nephew, I would like to number ** amongst my customersThis letter shows the link between wool breeders in England and their efforts to establish connections and supplies in Australia.Large cream sheet of paper with black ink hand writing .Back of sheet is blank. Folded in half.Signed Kirkham.warrnambool, j kirkham, augustus bostock, long wool lincoln sheep, long wool lincoln

The Corriedale was developed both in Australia and New Zealand in the late 1800s and, after the Merino, is Australia’s second most prolific breed. 50% Merino and 50% Lincoln, the breed produces thick, stapled wool which is ideal for hand spun items. Its crimped fleece is long, medium fine and high yielding. Preferring colder, high rainfall climates, the Corriedale’s black feet provide some protection against footrot in damp conditions. Australasia’s largest breed, mature ewes generally weigh between 59 to 82 kg, while a mature ram like Stanbury Jacko may typically weigh between 79 to 125 kg. This breed has approximately 7.7kg of fleece per animal, averaging 24 to 32 microns.Corriedale ram. Medium size body and short legs with white fleece. sheep, south australia, corriedale