THE RUMINANT OEDER. 257 



The Thibetian Groat (Fig. 90) is found in great numbers in the 

 magnificent valley of Cashmere and in Thibet, and is, without 

 doubt, the most valuable , of all the Caprine sijecies. The wool 

 which grows under its scanty hair is used in making those valuable 

 fabrics and marvellous tissues of India known as Cashmere shawls, 



Fig. 89. — The Common Goat {Ca/jra /arcu.-:, Linn.). 



which are esteemed throughout the world for their delicacy, soft- 

 ness, and smoothness. The coat of the Thibet Goat is removed 

 everjr year. This process is accom2:ilished with a comb of double 

 teeth, made expressly for the purjDose. 



The acclimatisation of this sjoecies in Europe did not present 

 Quy great difficulty : but the fine wool produced in our climate 

 was unable to stand in competition with the exotic produce, and 

 the undertaking was finally abandoned from being unprofitable. 



