814 UNGULATA. 



fodder. In addition to the varieties of oak mentioned, 

 these plateaus grow a scanty supply of short tufted grass. 

 During the intense heat of summer this meagre 

 herbage is burnt up ; but the Goats thrive and find 

 sustenance where any other animal would perish." 



*' The flesh of mohair Goats in good condition much 

 resembles mutton," 



According to the same authority, about 50,000 lbs. 

 of mohair are imported into this countr}^ the best 

 quality bales consisting of 170 lbs. 



THIBET GOAT. 



Capra hirc-us. 



French : Chevre de Thibet. German : Thibet Ziege. 



The Thibet Goat resembles the Angora in the fineness 

 of its fleece, but the length of the wool is not so great, 

 3 to 4 inches being the usual length. It also varies 

 more in colour, the chief shades being white, black, and 

 brown. The hair is extremely fine and soft, and it is 

 said that the celebrated Cashmere shawls are made from 

 this wool. The value of a skin varies from 3s. 6d. to 6s., 

 according to demand. These skins are chiefly used for 

 rugs and mats, and a few of the shorter-woolled skins 

 for dolls' hair. About 500 to 1,000 skins are imported 

 annually, but the supply is spasmodic. These skins take 

 a dye very readily, and are dj^ed black, blue, red, and 

 brown. 



