244 The 'Book of the Goat. 



has a peculiar silky or lustrous appearance. Latterly, how- 

 ever, the fashion having gone out for these materials- 

 for a time only probably the trade has greatly diminished, 

 and the price of mohair has depreciated in consequence. 

 Amongst other manufactures which owe their origin to 

 mohair may be mentioned the imitation sealskins which 

 at one time were so much worn. To such perfection have 

 these goods reached that it would be difficult without a 

 close inspection to distinguish the imitation sealskin from 

 the genuine article. 



Another use to which mohair is applied, and that to a 

 considerable extent, is for dolls' hair, the fine, soft, glossy 

 nature of the article rendering it well adapted for 

 this purpose. Some thousands of pounds sterling are 

 annually spent in providing the chevelure for these toy 

 babies. Finally, travelling rugs, made to imitate lion and 

 tiger skins, astrachans, nigger-heads, and every variety of 

 imitation skins, are all produced from the wool of the 

 Angora goat. 



The operation of flaying should be performed as soon 

 after the death of the animal as possible, for if it be 

 delayed any length of time the hide may deteriorate in 

 quality ; this is sure to be the case if the goat died from 

 disease and has been left till decomposition has begun to 

 take place. To remove a skin properly requires some skill 

 and care, so as not to cut it with the knife, and at the 

 same time to leave as little flesh and fat attached to it as 

 possible. Those who are inexperienced in such work had 

 better employ their butcher's slaughterman, who for a trifle 

 will kill, flay, and cut up their goat in a workmanlike 

 manner. 



When the skin has been taken off, all the bits of flesh 

 and fat adhering to it should be carefully removed with a 



