GOATS 399 



tinguished by their high pile and rich coloring. Most of 

 the so-called astrachan now in use is made of mohair. 



Besides plushes, dress goods of various designs, coats 

 and coat-linings, table covers, knit mits, mittens and 

 gloves, are made from mohair. 



In addition to the mohair, there grows on the Angora 

 goat coarse, chalky white, stiff, straight hair, varying in 

 length from half an inch to four inches, technically known 

 as " kemp." It is generally thought that kemp is a relic 

 of the common goat blood in the Angora, as it is a matter 

 of history that the Angora flocks of America, as well as 

 those of Asia Minor and South Africa, have been largely 

 increased by crossing does of common blood. It is ob- 

 jectionable. 



The skins. The skins of the Angoras, if taken when 

 the hair is about four inches long, make very handsome 

 rugs. The hair retains its original luster, and may be 

 used in the natural white, or dyed any color desired. 

 Carriage-robes are frequently manufactured from the 

 skins. The smaller skins of the does, wethers and kids 

 find a use as robes for baby carriages, and are extremely 

 attractive. The skins are also used in the manufacture 

 of children's muffs, and as trimmings for coats and capes. 

 The finest kid fleeces adorn the collar and border of some 

 of the ladies' opera cloaks. 



To clear brush land. Goats are browsers by nature, 

 and there is no vegetation they will eat in preference to 

 leaves and twigs of bushes. The Angora has been used 

 in many parts of the country for clearing land covered 

 with brushwood. In localities where valuable land is 

 completely overgrown with brushwood, the goats are con- 

 sidered of more value for clearing it than for their mohair 

 or meat. 



