THE ANGORA GOAT. ' 79 



shed at all. The correspondence of the Bureau shows that practically 

 all of the goats in this country shed their fleece, either annually in 

 the colder localities or semiannually in the warmer climates. The 

 question submitted by the Bureau was, "Do thoroughbreds shed if 

 not sheared?" There were many positive affirmative replies received 

 and several modified answers. Among the latter are reasons why 

 some goats do not shed. It will be of interest, and probably of some 

 profit, to consider some of these replies in any effort toward reaching 

 a conclusion regarding this question, and they are given herewith: 



They will all shed in the spring, when warm weather begins, but the higher they 

 are bred up the longer they will go without shedding. — H. T. Fuchs, Tiger Mills, Tex. 



Some will shed. I regard the nonshedding Angora as a distinct type, and all the 

 various crosses will retain their fleece. — William L. Black, Fort McKavelt, Tex. 



I have goats that never shed, but they are fed for show purposes during winter. 

 If ordinary care is given, they shed. — Ahe Blackburn, North Yamhill, Oreg. 



I have had goats that did not shed at 1 year old, but did at 2. I think feeding 

 conditions are responsible for such cases. — George A. Houck, Eugene, Oreg. 



Goats of second cross sometimes do not shed. Depends on condition of goat. — 

 U. S. Grant, Dallas, Oreg. 



Many thoroughbreds will shed, and we have grades that do not. Much depends 

 upon the physical condition of the goat. If it is in poor flesh and fattens rapidly in 

 spring, it is very apt to commence shedding, just as many sheep do under similar 

 conditions. — W. G. Hughes A Co., Hastings, Tex. 



Though most breeders in this country disagree with me in my nonshedding views, 

 I am supported by the Cape breeders. One of them, Mr. R. C. Holmes, is very 

 decided in his expressions. He says: "With regard to well-bred goats shedding 

 their hair, I quite agree with you that they should not do so. In fact, among my 

 goats it is an exceptional thing to see a goat shed, and even the ewes at kidding time 

 do not shed. At this period some few may do so, but very few indeed, and a ram 

 should never shed." This does not lack in clearness. Angoras will sometimes lose 

 their hair from disease, a change of climate, or a change of weather even, or a sud- 

 den change from a continued dry food to green food, etc. This may appear at any 

 time of the year, regardless of the season, and has absolutely nothing to do with the 

 yearly shedding of low-bred goats. No yearly shedder should be classed as a thor- 

 oughbred." — G. A. Hoerle, Ridgeioood, N. J. 



Under certain conditions they will shed, but not if the goats are in good health. — • 

 E. A. Hinkle, Eoseburg, Oreg. 



I have about fifty head of nannies that do not shed, but most goats shed if not 

 sheared. — G. M. Scott, Malta, Idaho. 



DISEASES AND OTHER ENEMIES. 



Goats are less subject to disease than sheep; but these species are so 

 closely allied that treatment in cases of disease is the same for both. 

 Several accounts have been published in the agricultural press of goats 

 in the Southwest being affected with stomach worms and with grub in 

 the head, the same as sheep are affected in the same localities. There 

 are occasionally outbreaks of disease in certain localities, but these are 

 due to local causes, and generally have not been difficult to overcome. 



