52 BUREAU OF ANIMAL INDUSTRY. 



which we now import for leather, but the quality of the skin precludes 

 any such possibility. Upon this point the Oregon Agriculturist says: 



It is a natural mistake to suppose that Angora goatskins are wortli as much, pomid 

 for i^ound, as common goatskins. We have several times noted the fact that this is 

 not the case. Angora skins, after the mohair has been sheared off, will bring only a 

 little over one-half as much per pound as the skins of the common goat. 



The only way to keep at home the greater part of the money now sent abroad to 

 pay for goatskins will l:)e to raise enough common goats in tlie United States to 

 supply the demand. 



Hides should be kept clean and should be dried in the shade; sun- 

 dried hides are worthless. If the skins are to be tanned soon after 

 being removed, they may ])e salted. If they are not to be tanned 

 soon, they should be dried. 



ROBES, RUGS, AND TRIMMINGS. 



Angora pelts are used quite extensively as carriage robes, and they 

 make up into very handsome ones. There was a time when the buffalo, 

 the wolf, and other wild animals supplied the demand for robes in this 

 country, but the extinction, practically, of the buffalo and the great 

 scarcity of the other animals has forced us to look elsewhere for sub- 

 stitutes. An effort is being made to substitute hides of the Galloway 

 and Polled Angus breeds of cattle, but their high cost will prevent 

 their extensive use. 



These conditions have resulted in a greater demand for Angora 

 skins for robes. The skin is sufficiently tough for the purpose, and 

 the fleece is easily dyed any desirable color. This characteristic has 

 enabled unscrupulous dealers to sometimes pass them off on purchasers 

 as the skins of some rare animals. In their natural color, the white- 

 ness and brilliancy of which can not l)e excelled, the skins of the kids 

 and younger does are made up into robes for baby carriages. There 

 are probably a greater number used for this purpose at the present 

 time than in any other way. 



As a general statement it may be said that Angora pelts are worth 

 from $2 to $3. The real value depends upon many things — ^such as 

 the size of the skin, the length of the fleece upon it, and the time of 

 year that it is taken. 



As rugs these skins are found in many households, and they are both 

 ornamental and durable. They may be used in their original white- 

 ness, or be dyed any color to suit. Their softness makes them very 

 desirable. 



They are extensively used for trimming for children's cloaks and 

 coats. Some flrst-class skins have brought as high as $18 apiece for 

 this purpose. 



Mr. William E. Payne, of New York City, who has had much experi- 

 ence in handling goatskins, says: 



