GOAT-RAISING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA. 29 



USES OF MOHAIB. 



These are increasing every year. The best mohair is used either pure or in con- 

 nection with wool, silk, linen or carlton, in the making of house furnishings and 

 ladies' goods, brilliantines, linings, braid, plushes, shawls, and dress-goods. Extra 

 long mohair goes to make blankets, lap-robes, rugs, and carpets. Automobile-tops 

 are also made from mohair. 



Mohair is an exceedingly durable fibre, and blankets made from it have been 

 known to last a lifetime. 



THE SKINS. 



Angora skins are finer than the skin of the common goat, of which many thou- 

 sands are imported for leather. Angora hides of the best quality are made into 

 morocco leather for books, while the poorer quality make workmen's gloves. Angora 

 pelts are in demand for robes for baby-carriages and children's cloaks and for house- 

 rugs. They are worth from $2 to $3 each. 



MAEKETS FOB MOHAIB. 



Owing to lack of supply, there is no recognized market for mohair in Canada. 

 The nearest large market is at Portland, Oregon. There are several large commis- 

 sion houses in Portland, and one mill which manufactures mohair. The other large 

 mohair-mills are in the Eastern States. 



The principal market on this continent is New York, but the marketing centre 

 of the world for mohair is Bradford, England. 



Should a Canadian-grown supply of mohair become available, the textile-mills 

 on this side of the line would no doubt make provision for manufacturing it. 



ANGORA MUTTON. 



There is a widespread prejudice against the use of goat's meat, and for that 

 reason most of the Angora mutton sold in the States has been passed over the 

 counter as sheep's mutton, or lamb. The flesh of young, well-fed goats is delicious,- 

 and that of older animals, such as wethers and does in good condition, is very good. 

 Kansas City is the leading goat market in America. Two classes of goats are offered 

 for sale, called "fat" and " brushers." The fat class are those in condition for 

 slaughtering. The average weight of goats at Kansas City is 68 Ib. The prices 

 iquoted in March, 1915, were 4% to 5 cents per pound for good fat goats and 4Y 2 

 cents for young brushers, live weight. 



Angora mutton, if propejly fed, has no objectionable flavour, unless the flavour 

 of venison is objectionable. It is, however, lacking in fat, and should be well basted 

 or cooked with a few slices of fat bacon. 



ADAPTABILITY OF ANGORAS. 



In the high altitudes of Turkey and South Africa, where Angoras thrive, the 

 ranges in temperature are extreme. These goats can stand extreme cold, provided 

 it is dry. In Montana the heavy snowfall does not hurt the goats so long as they 

 have a dry place to spend the night. A flock has been reported doing well on 

 TJknmak Island, Alaska. 



Wet and swampy land is unsuitable for Angoras. Well-drained land and pure 

 water they must have to do well. They delight in climbing, and prefer steep and 

 rocky hillsides to the level ground. In such situations the rocks serve to keep their 

 feet trimmed to the natural shape, preventing foot-rot. Angoras much dislike wet 

 and cannot stand damp conditions. 



On the whole, this Province would seem to be well suited to Angoras, especially 

 the higher altitudes of the Interior. 



The climate of the Willamette Valley in Oregon is similar to that of our Coast 

 districts, and that valley has become well known for the number of its goats and 

 the quality of mohair grown. 



