On the Shawl-Goat. 331 



their eftbrts towards the accomplishment of this object. Parallel 

 attempts, it is well known, have also been recently made in 

 France ; but, with what success, we are not yet thoroughly in- 

 formed, although there is considerable reason to believe, that 

 similar failures have there taken place, and from the same causes 

 which have hitherto rendered our own efforts unsuccessful. 



In relating the history of these experiments, it will therefore 

 be useful to add such information as could be procured, re- 

 specting the treatment of these animals, both in this country 

 and in their native mountains ; as it may point out some of the 

 errors to be avoided, and some of the means to be pursued, 

 to ensure at least some chance of better success than has yet 

 been experienced with regard to the naturalization of this inte- 

 resting and valuable creature. It will be a sufficient apology 

 for the defective and unsatisfactory nature of these observations, 

 to recollect, that our own experience is as yet very limited, and 

 that the information which we have procured from India is not 

 much more accurate or full. It is unnecessary to make any 

 remarks on the probable advantages to be derived from the 

 introduction of a new species of produce, applicable to a ma- 

 nufacture much in demand ; as, on that subject, your readers 

 are fully competent to form a correct judgment for themselves. 

 If this communication shall serve no other purpose, it will pro- 

 bably induce others to convey to the public, through the same 

 channel, whatever information they may possess on the same 

 subject, and which, for want of knowing where it may exist, 

 is inaccessible to your present correspondent. 



Your readers need not be informed, that the original flock 

 of the Thibet goats sent to Bengal, was procured by the ex- 

 ertions of Mr. Moorcroft and Lieutenant Hearsay, in their inte- 

 resting journey to the source of the Ganges, of which the account 

 was published in the Asiatic Researches. A selection from these 

 was sent, in the year 1815, to the Duke of Athol, but, by an 

 oversight, eventually unfortunate, the males were sent by one 

 ship and the females by another. The former were lost at sea, 

 and, of the latter, four only arrived at Blair. One of these 

 proved to be pregnant, but the kid was unfortunately produced 



