3 12 The Caramanian or Camblet Wool Sheep, 



licate and white, his strength great; and that as he is but three 

 years old, he will undoubtedly increase in size, ?srtid^ produce 

 a still more abundant quantity of wooU'* 



[The foregoing account of the Caramanian sheep, was presented to the So- 

 ciety as a curiosity, on which no practical knowledge here, suggests an opinion. 

 A specimen of the nvool may be seen in the cabinet of the Society ; and it an- 

 swers the description hereafter ciled, being of the sort first mentioned. It is deem- 

 ed worthy of mention for general information, so that if some ot our spirited im- 

 porters of foreign breeds of sheep, choose to add this to our stock, they may have 

 every intelligeuce on the subject, so perfect a stranger permits. The province of 

 Turkey, wht-rein it is indigenous, is rapuniainous, intei-spers-id with rich vallies ; 

 and is of a temperature similar to many parts of the United States. Of whatever 

 size it may be, suitable keep will be found in the vai iely of pasturage our country 

 afffrds, in one oi- other of its sections. If the breed could be multiphed, it would 

 introduce a new manufacture of Camblets, to wh-ich common wool, even of long 

 staple, is not applicable ; and thus add to ilie valuable varieties rising into important 

 notice. The happy period is fast approactiing, when our country will be indepen- 

 dent, not only for the common a. tides of manufacture ; hut for all elegant and use- 

 ful fabrics known in the civilised world. 



There is littlf similitude betwet- n ihe wool of the sheep (o winch we are accus- 

 tomed, andthe flet-ce "f this animal; which is, in fact, sui generis in tWis respect, and 

 seems to be a species oi JMohair; applicable to other fabrics than those manufactured 

 from common wool, either offine or coarse fibre. It is fitted (as it is said to be used ia 

 Caramania) for Cambleis, and such stuffs. The animal, whert-of the foregoing cut is 

 the representation, is one of inferior description to the other kinds mentioned. Yet 

 a specimen, now in the Cabinet of the Society, combed and dressed by a wool-com- 

 ber; will shew the extraordmary value of the article. It is soft, somewhat silky, 

 and uncommonly handsome. It can be extended to a length in the fibre, far 

 beyond any wool known to us. The specimen is nearly a yard long, variegated, 

 and motiled, and is really a curiosity of the kind. I do not pretend to point out to 

 Manufacturers, the us^-s to which it can be applied : but cannot avoid recommend- 

 ing it to their attention. I am told that, notwithstanding the prohibitions of the 

 Turkish government, and the monopoly of the nobles and priests of Caramania ; 

 the animals can be procured from Smyrna, without much difficulty. Fiai expert- 

 mentttm. 1 pronounct- no opinion to govern that of others; (for I assume no such 

 vain pretensions); having no infovmation but that gained from the few writers I have 

 had opportunities of consulting ; as well as from some intercourse with voyagers 

 wholiave been acquainted with the country ui which the animal is found. 



Extract from Hakuis-s Voyages; — Vol, II. p. 27S. Oihcr authorities vnght be 

 cited -^ 



" But,qfter all, th« principal glory of this country, (^Caramania) is its Sheep ; 

 the wool of which is esteemed the finest in the world. The} have a very singu- 

 lar way of coming at it: fv>r, at certain seasons of the year, they pall it from the 

 backs of the AniiYvals with tt.eirfingers ; so that the sheep are futireiy nak^d. This 

 wool is all wrought in i\s nalut^l colours, and w;!hoat dye. It is of three sorts j the 

 first bro-wn ; the second of a speckled grey ; the third of a milh rshite. This last is 



