68 The 'Book of the Goat. 



the genus Ovis* This is particularly exemplified in the 

 male, which, besides exhibiting that capricious nature so 

 peculiar to its species, possesses a beard (Fig. 8) an ap- 

 pendage of which the ram is entirely devoid and, above 

 all, gives forth that peculiar odour natural to the male 

 goat of every breed, though in a far milder form in this 

 than in any other. The scent indeed is not noticeable at 

 all in the Angora buck except during the rutting season. 



History of the 'Breed. 



Although Asia Minor is at the present time the home 

 of the Angora, it has been established beyond doubt that 

 the introduction of the breed into that country is of 



* Mr. S. C. Cronwright Schreiner, in his book "The Angora 

 Goat " (published under the auspices of the South African Angora 

 Goat-breeders' Association), dated 1898, disagrees with these state- 

 ments, both as regards the Angora being a distinct species and 

 as to the suggested resemblance between it and the sheep. In a 

 footnote in the chapter " Descent of the Angora from the Wild 

 Goat" we read: "The idea, however, of there being at least 

 a close resemblance between the Angora goat and the sheep has 

 been very widespread. Pegler remarks that the Angora 

 approaches more in its appearance and character to the genus 

 Ovis (sheep) than to the genus Ca-pra (goat)," and adds 

 (quoting from the text above) : " Dr. Hayes says ' The cry 

 is wholly different from that of the common goat, and 

 resembles that of the sheep.' Even the ' Encyclopaedia. 

 Britannica ' falls into " the same error. It says ' the 

 face has a sheepish expression. . . . This variety of goat 

 approaches nearest in its nature, form, and habits to the sheep, 

 even the voice having a strong resemblance.' Other authorities 

 might be adduced expressing similar opinions. I have only to 

 say that, having farmed Angoras for many years, having seen 

 nearly all the best animals in South Africa (many of them being 

 of unmixed descent from imported stock) and all those recently 

 imported ... I have never noticed any resemblance whatever, 

 in cry, habits, or appearance, to the sheep ; nor have I heard 

 of anyone else in South Africa having observed it. ... The fact 

 is, no such resemblance exists : the Angora is a perfect goat, in 

 cry, habits, and appearance, only it is the most refined, highly- 

 bred, and blood-like of all the various varieties of domesticated 

 goats," It will thus be seen that opinions differ on this subject. 



