On the Goats of Angora. 99 



tistlk-gueschy, which is as fine at the top as at the roots, 

 and which are not mixed near the skin with any other soft 

 wool or down. This wool or down of which we speak 

 belongs exclusively to the kara-gueschy breeds and is en- 

 tirely a stranger to the real goat of Angora. 



This difference alone furnishes an obvious mark of di- 

 stinction between the two breeds. There are, besides, many 

 others, of which one is, that the kara-gueschy multiplies 

 its species throughout all the East, while the tistik-gueschy 

 is confined to the soil of Angora. It is found only in this 

 city, or its environs to the distance of 1.5 leagues. At a 

 greater distance the race is bastardized ; the wool becomes 

 coarser, and the value of the animal is much inferior to that 

 which constitutes the riches of the city from which it takes 

 its name. 



The territory of Angora is composed of mountains a little 

 elevated, on which the snow generally lies for two months 

 of the year, and w hich afford numerous springs of fresh and 

 wholesome water. The rivulets whiph are thus formed fer- 

 tilize the soil, which is coveted with pasture grass. As 

 soon as the cold has abated they conduct the tistik-gueschy 

 to these mountains, where they pass the mild season, chan- 

 ging their pasturage in rotation every day, and continually 

 exposed to the air. It is only on the winter nights that they 

 are allowed houseing in sheepfolds. 



The goats of Angora graze in herds of from two hundred 

 to eight hundred in number : the females and bucks mixed 

 indiscriminately. The latter are higher and stronger than 

 the former J their hair is like theirs, white and curled, but 

 not so fine. The flesh of the tistik-guc,5chy is better than 

 that of the ordinary goat. It is killed for consumption after 

 five years of age j for at this age the hair becomes coarser, 

 and the fleece is less esteemed. 



The tistik-gueschy is shorn yearly, after being bathed in 

 running water. Their hair is clipped with long iron scis- 

 sars. rhc fleece of the females, which is more esteemed 

 than that of the males, weighs from 350 to 400 drachms. 

 Their fleeces are all spun on the spot ; and it is a remark- 

 able fact, that the place consumes their entire product, 

 without allowing any exportation. The reason is, that it 

 is to this manufacture the inhabitants of Angora owe their 

 subsistence, and they are jealous of preserving it. 



Nothing is more simple than the process employed at 



Angora to work the wool of the tistik-gueschy. As soon 



as tne animal is stript, the fleece is comb<,d with a long iron 



G ii comb. 



