TEXTILE FIBRES 87 



Llama Wool. The Llama is an animal about the size of a 

 large deer, which it resembles somewhat. It is used as a beast 

 of burden as well as a wool-grower in its native country. The 

 wool is fairly coarse, and has long, kempy, hairy fibres running all 

 through it. It is usually of a brown colour, and it is used for 

 making coarse knitted fabrics. 



Cow Hair. Cow hair is usually blended with very low, coarse 

 sheep's wool and spun into coarse yarns. This yarn is woven into 

 rough and hairy materials, such as horse and cow rugs, saddle 

 cloths, carpets, and similar goods. 



Silk. Silk differs from other animal fibres, as it does not grow 

 on an animal as a protective covering. It is. the product of a 

 worm, which at certain periods spins the silk around itself till it is 

 entirely covered by it. This silky covering is about the size and 

 shape of a sparrow's egg, and is called a cocoon. The silkworm 

 inside the cocoon then changes into a large brown grub, which 

 again changes into a moth. The latter, if left, bores its way out of 

 the cocoon, and mates in order to maintain its species. The moth 

 lays a large number of very small eggs and from these are hatched 

 small silkworms, which are fed on mulberry-leaves till they are 

 large enough to spin themselves into a cocoon. Silk is very dear. 

 It has a fine lustre and softness. It is made up into ladies' dress 

 materials, underwear, and numerous other types of fabric. 



