Counting Sheep

   The book called "Counting Sheep" by Philip Walling is a fascinating read for anyone like me who has an interest in wool.  Based on some of the 60 native wool breeds that live in the UK it charts their development , their history , and the realities of sheep farming today.  Although I cannot convince my family of the fact it is a really interesting read , I recommend it - there is  even a chapter on different kinds of sheepdogs .  Historically  sheep were kept for their wool. Wool was the mainstay of the UK economy for four centuries.  Fortunes were made on wool production and export of the wool to Europe.    As the demand for meat grew , new breeds were developed , often with an impact on the quality of the wool.  Today sheep are almost exclusively bred for meat and the value of the wool although…