THE ANGORA GOAT 187 
breeder of shorthorns, was, that to breed in-and-in from 
a bad stock is ruin and devastation, yet, that the 
practice may be safely followed within certain limits, 
when the parents are descended from first-rate animals." 
The great value of the Angora goat consists chiefly 
in the high quality of the beautiful fleece in which it 
is clothed. This sometimes realises as much as 4s. per 
pound for the choicest portions. The last clip from the 
flock belonging to the Zoological and Acclimatisation 
Society, now running at Longerenong, sold for 3s. 6d. 
per pound all round, including pieces and locks. There 
was also a proportion of inferior quality from breeding 
does and old crones included in this average. With 
proper classification, which can be done to better 
advantage when the flock has increased sufficiently to 
give a bale of each sort, a better price would no doubt 
be obtained, especially for the higher qualities. 
The annual fleece of the Angora is from 3 lbs. to 
9 lbs. of mohair washed snow white. There is very 
little grease or yolk in it before it is washed, and the 
discolouration arising from dust adds but little to the 
weight of the greasy fleece, as compared with the same 
when spout washed. 
If we compare the Angora and Merino sheep as 
regards the comparative value of their fleece, it will be 
seen that the comparison is greatly in favour of the 
Angora, were both obtainable at the same cost. The 
average fleece of the Angora, if estimated at 4 lbs. at 
a price of 3s. 6d. per lb., would make the value of the 
fleece equal to 14s. per head, while a Merino, which would 
give a fleece of spout washed wool of say 3 \ lbs. worth 
2s. 6d. per lb, would only yield 8s. 9d. per head, show- 
ing 5s. 3d. per head in favour of the Angora. From 
