194 THE ANGORA GOAT. 
I have considered it expedient to shear the flock 
twice in the year, for the following reasons : The fleece 
has a tendency with many of the animals to fall off in 
the Spring and during the month of September. It 
usually gets somewhat matted also, if left on the 
animal for the whole year, and is consequently less 
valuable. By shearing twice in the year, the hair is 
free from felting and is not so much liable to damage 
from burrs and seeds, or from dirt, as when hanging to 
the ground or nearly so. The growth is probably 
stimulated also, by their being twice shorn, as nature 
makes an effort to provide for the wants of the animal. 
The second clip was not so heavy as the first, from 
having been delayed by the does commencing to lamb, 
and some hair was lost in consequence. Shearing 
twice in the year is not therefore a complete preventive 
of the loss of the fleece. It is better, however, on the 
whole to do so. The fleece being fully six inches long 
at six months growth, is long enough in the fibre for 
any purpose to which it may be applied by the 
manufacturer. 
At Angora, the goats that are carefully tended, 
are combed occasionally to keep the hair dis- 
entangled, and their fleeces washed, to free them 
from impurities. I found it necessary on the 
Wimmera, to comb out the burr of the yellow clover 
and other seeds, which are very detrimental to the 
fleece. At the time when the does are having their 
kids, a good deal of attention is required. The latter 
are usually hidden by the mothers, and are very 
liable to be attacked by hawks, crows, or native cats. 
They are also somewhat delicate when young, and if the 
weather be wet and cold, they require some attention. 
