52 SHEEP HUSBANDRY IN THE SOUTH. 



ters and Mr. Watts, give us some original contributions in 

 relation to the culture of thfc Angora goat, derived from their 

 own experience, which show that the mountain range of the 

 Blue Ridge is peculiarly adapted to this interesting lanigerous 

 animal. Before quoting from these gentlemen, we may ap- 

 propriately show the uses to which the fleeces of the Angora 

 goat may be applied, as stated in the Report of the judges on 

 Wool at the International Exhibition of 1876. 



" Mohair, the fleece of the Angora goat, is not a mere substitute for 

 wool, but occupies its own place in the textile fabrics. It has the as- 

 pect, feel, and lustre of silk, without its suppleness. It differs materially 

 from wool in the want of the felting quality ; so that the stuffs made 

 of it have the fibres distinctly separated, and are always brilliant. On 

 account of the stiffness of the fibre, it is rarely woven alone ; that is, 

 when it is used for the filling, the warp is usually of cotton, silk, or 

 wool, or the reverse. The distinguishing qualities of the fibre are lus- 

 tre, elasticity, and wonderful durability. The qualities of lustre and 

 durability, particularly, fit this material for its chief use, the manu- 

 facture of Utrecht velvets, commonly called * furniture plush,' the finest 

 qualities of which are composed principally of mohair, the pile being 

 formed of mohair warps, which are cut in the same manner as silk 

 warps in velvets. Upon passing the finger lightly over the best Utrecht 

 velvets, the rigidity and elasticity of the fibre will be distinctly per- 

 ceived. The fibre springs back to its original uprightness, when the 

 pressure is removed. The best mohair plushes are almost indestruc- 

 tible ; and are now in general use by all the principal railroads, as the 

 most enduring of all coverings for railroad seats. The English have 

 attained the greatest success in spinning mohair, and the French and 

 German manufacturers use English yarns. . . . Another analogous 

 application of mohair is for forming the pile of imitation seal-skins. 

 Some of these fabrics, exhibited by manufacturers of Huddersfield, Eng- 

 land, were of striking beauty ; the resemblance to seal fur being quite 

 striking. . . . Mohair forms an essential material for the best carriage 

 and lap robes, with a long and lustrous pile. Some exhibited were 

 made to resemble the skins of tigers, leopards, and other animals. . . . 

 Another application of mohair is for the fabrication of braids for bind- 

 ing, which have the lustre of silk, but far greater durability. . . . 

 Still another important application of this material is the fabrication 

 of black dress goods, resembling alpacas ; the mohair being woven with 



