156 MAINE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. I903. 



The fleeces averaged about three pounds each and sold for only 

 a small advance above wool. With nearer pure bred grades and 

 a larger number, so as to have more mohair to market, a better 

 price would be obtained. 



Our experience may be summed up as follows : — 



It is practically impossible, for a moderate price, to obtain 

 pure bred Angora goats. 



They are quite hardy and thrifty and can be kept with the 

 same winter care that sheep demand. 



It requires about 750 pounds of hay to winter one goat. With 

 plenty of young woodland or brushy pasture there will be no 

 food cost in summering them. 



They are effective in clearing up the underbrush in woodland 

 covered with birch or evergreen. They will likely kill other 

 varieties except very large trees. They will clear out bushes and 

 waste growth in pastures, in preference even to the grasses. 



Ordinary fencing will not hold them. A fine mesh wire fence 

 of such height that they cannot rest the front feet upon it will 

 hold them, even in small areas. They do not jump, but are good 

 climbers. 



The flesh has a flavor between that of lamb and venison. The 

 carcasses are small and there is no market in the East for the 

 flesh. 



The mohair from the crosses brings a somewhat higher price 

 than wool. Three pounds per animal is about all that can be 

 expected from seven-eighths bred goats. 



They are very docile and intelligent and make excellent pets. 

 Their bush-eating proclivities would make them a nuisance 

 among decorative shrubbery. 



