72 The Boofc of the Goat. 



Besides the difference in the quality and colour of the 

 fleece, however, there is considerable diversity in other 

 external features of the Angora. Thus the ears vary- 

 both in length and degree of pendulosity, the greater part 

 being semi-pendulous, but in some more horizontally 

 inclined. The horns, too, differ ; many are nearly 

 perpendicular, with a slight spiral, others show a 

 lateral growth with a distinct twist, whilst here and there 

 they are met with growing back over the head with a 

 slight inclination in an outward direction towards the 

 extremities. These variations are due in great measure 

 to crosses more or less remote with a common kind known 

 as the Kurd race, which is distributed generally over Asia 

 Minor. It is a black goat, rather larger than the white 

 or Angora proper, the hair of which, although long and 

 of a fleecy nature, is perfectly straight, without curl, being 

 at the same time coarse in quality. Crosses with this 

 variety are not infrequently made, the object being to 

 gain hardiness, and the purity is restored, it is stated, 

 from the third to the fifth generation. 



In the spring of 1879 a valuable herd of thirty pure 

 Angoras, procured from Asia Minor at a cost of over 

 ;iooo, were transhipped at the Victoria Docks on their 

 way to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Through the 

 kindness of the importer, Mr. J. B. Evans, whom I 

 shall have occasion to mention again presently, an oppor- 

 tunity was afforded me of inspecting these goats, besides 

 being made acquainted with the correct points of the 

 breed according to the judgment of the professional stock- 

 breeder. These are as follow : 



Head fine, with the fleece growing well over the 

 forehead; ears wide, thin, and pendulous, not long and 

 hanging down direct from the head, but standing out and 



