Karakul Sheep. G41 



althougli we knew that some were very inferior, and the values placed 

 on tliem were clear proof tliat the opinions formed as to what con- 

 stituted good pelts were correct. These valuations varied from Is. to 

 £2. 10s. per skin. The two skins valued at 50s. each were from 

 seven-eighth karakul Iambs, i.e. the tliird-cross karakuls on 

 Africander foundation ewes. 



As many pelts, far superior to those sent, are obtained every yeai' 

 in the Government pure-bred flocks, it can safely be assumed that 

 £3 each could be readily obtained for pelts of good quality. At the 

 above valuations the pelt of a lamb as described in Plate 10 is worth 

 at least £4 to £4. 10s. 



With reference to the actual marketing of skins, nothing definite 

 can be said at present, except that the market exists, and that breeders, 

 by communicating with the firm mentioned above, can make their 

 own arrangements. The Department of Agriculture is at present 

 inquiring into this matter, and the result of these inquiries will be 

 made known in due course. We may add that in 1917 we saw the 

 report on some skins sent from South- West Africa 1o the United 

 States of America. The skins were purchased by the firm to whom 

 they were sent at prices varying between 16s. and 23s. each, and an 

 order was placed for 4000 skins of the same quality. Some skins, 

 somewhat superior to those sent to the United States of America, and 

 supplied by the same breeder, were sent to London in the consigment 

 mentioned above, and were valued as high as 30s. each. These skins 

 were all seven -eighth karakul. 



(jENEKAL. 



Breeders of karakul sheep will be interested to learn that at the 

 conclusion of the annual stock sale at the Grootfontein School of 

 xVgriculture, held on 5th September, 1919, a meeting of owners of 

 pure-bred karakuls was held. Mr. Alex. Holm, the Under-Secretary 

 for Agriculture, to whose energy the Union owes the introduction of 

 this breed of sheep, presided. At the request of the meeting Mr. Holm 

 promised to bring before the Council of the South African Stud Book 

 Association the desirability of providing for the registration of 

 jjure-hred karakul sheep. That is sheep whose parents on both sides 

 can be traced back, without the introduction of any foreign blood, to 

 the original importations into South-West Africa. At the time of 

 writing no further information is available on this subject, but there 

 is little doubt that such a register will be opened, as it is most impera- 

 tive, it only for the protection of owners of pure-bred stock. Many 

 grade karakuls appear to have been disposed of already as pure- 

 bred stock, and intending purchasers are warned against the great 

 danger of purchasing alleged pure-bred karakuls without making 

 certain that they are absolutely pure-bred. 



A certain number of pure-bred karakuls, both rams and ewes, 

 will in future be offered annually at the sale at Grootfontein, and it 

 is only at this sale that Government-bred sheep can be obtained, always 

 excepting any other sales arranged by the Administration of the 

 South-AVest Protectorate, of pure-bred stock of their breeding. 



Inquiries from breeders in the Union relative to these sheep 

 should be addressed to the Principal, Grootfontein School of Agricul- 

 iure, Middelburg, Cape. 



