Shawl Goat into Britain. 343 



avidity ; and, like the sheep, they also brouze on the young 

 shoots of the heaths. It is further said that they are particu- 

 larly fond of rue ; and, in India, it is recommended to keep 

 this plant in the enclosures in which they are confined in that 

 country. The whole of the species, indeed, appears attached 

 to all the strong- tasted plants, and even to those poisonous 

 species which other animals refuse ; but it is evident that, on a 

 large scale, it would be impossible to pay attention to any 

 cultivation of this nature, while the advantages to be derived 

 from it are probably in a great measure visionary. When the 

 ground is so covered with snow in Thibet that the plants are 

 no longer accessible, they are fed on the bruised tops of the 

 furze above mentioned. 



It is found to be a salutary practice to give them salt once in 

 a week ; and this is said to be general in their native district, 

 and to be the only particular expense to which the p-oprietors 

 are subject. From this condiment, indeed, all graminivorous 

 animals appear to derive benefit ; and, in the commencement, 

 at least, of their naturalization in this country, it ought to be 

 adopted. Had it been known when the first flocks arrived,, it 

 might perhaps have prevented their loss. 



It is now well known to naturalists, that the goat of Thibet 

 is merely a variety of the common goat ; differing from it only 

 in the nature and quantity of its clothing, as that has been 

 modified, partly by the climate which it inhabits, and partly, 

 it is to be presumed, by careful breeding and cultivation. 

 The individuals vary much in size ; but are generally all 

 characterized by a head somewhat large when compared to the 

 breeds of our own country, long horns lying backwards and 

 slightly bent, a straight back and delicate limbs. 



The coat consists of a thick covering of long coarse hair 

 externally, concealing the fine wool, which is curled up close 

 to the skin. No material differences could be discovered in the 

 wool of those which arrived in Scotland ; but it is well known 

 that they vary materially in this respect; and it is further 

 suspected, that although the most weighty fleeces come from 

 the coldest regions, the finest are produced where most care i& 



