THE ANGOKA GOAT. 77 



that the two shearings combined weigh a little more than the annual 

 shearing, but probably the increase does not average more than a 

 quarter of a pound. However, some who have practiced it report that 

 the gain is not equal to the cost of the second shearing, and that 

 shearing twice is done from necessit}^ rather than from the standpoint 

 of profit. 



USE OF CLIPPING MACHINES. 



The use of clipping machines, although largely employed among 

 large sheep raisers, has not yet come into general use among goat 

 raisers. Those who have used them indorse them, and they will no 

 <.^oubt soon come into general use. They are more rapid than hand 

 work, and the results are more satisfactory. The cutting of the skin 

 is easily avoided in reasonably careful hands, while it requires extreme 

 care with hand shears to prevent cutting. Mr. H. I. Kimball, of New 

 Mexico, says of the use of the machines: *'! sheared them [the goats] 

 myself faster than the best hand shearer I ever saw, and I got a better 

 price for my mohair." Another gentleman says: " I will say that the 

 clipping machine for sheep will work well on goats in every respect. 

 I have sheared ten goats in one hour and done up the fleeces." 



Of course, the goat raiser will consider the relative cost of shearing 

 with machines and by hand before he will purchase a machine. The 

 decision will probably depend upon the number. The cost of hand 

 shearing is about 4 cents a head. In the Southwest there are Mexicans 

 who follow the profession of shearing sheep and goats; these usually 

 receive 2 cents a head with their board. Many of them will shear 85 

 or 90 a day, the average of all being about 60. Any man who can 

 shear sheep can shear goats. If shearing is done by hand, a short- 

 bladed shear should be used in order to avoid cutting the hair twice. 



Another objection to hand shearing is that there is often double 

 cutting of the hair. The result is a shortening of the fiber and an 

 increased amount of noilage. 



If the animals are well cared for during the year, their fleece will 

 not require washing before clipping. One writer of experience says 

 that "the natural habits of the Angora goats are clean enough to 

 enable spinning before washing, at least for some purposes." Any 

 dirt that may adhere to the fleece should carefully be picked off after 

 shearing. 



CARE OF THE FLEECE AFTER SHEARING. 



The operation of shearing should be done in a building free from 

 straw and dirt, which might adhere to the fleece after it drops from the 

 goat. It should then be rolled up, inside out, and packed in the sack 

 without being tied in any way. This is the manner in which the mills 

 desire to receive it. The practice of tying the fleece with almost any 

 kind of twine that may be at hand obtains very largely among goat 

 raisers, but the wishes of the mill operators are already receiving 



