THE ANGORA GOAT. 195 
Judging by the prices obtained for the last clip sold, 
the quality of the fleece does not seem to deteriorate 
in the climate of the Wimmera. Mohair bears some- 
thing of the same relation to wool that silk does to 
cotton, but its growth does not necessarily interfere 
with the production of wool, as the Angora will replace 
the worthless goat seen about every gold-field and 
town in the colony. The Angora will also thrive on 
barren ranges, scrubs, and heaths, where the sheep 
could not be depastured with profit. The beautiful 
fabrics made from its lustrous fleece are far more hand- 
some and durable than those made of common wool. 
Its freedom from disease, its activity and endurance, 
and its ability to feed on shrubs, bushes, weeds, and 
even poisonous plants with impunity, give it a special 
value as the animal suited to the selector or the small 
freeholder with limited means. 
Besides the fleece obtained annually or semi-annually 
from the Angora, its flesh, when in good condition, is 
not inferior to mutton. I have eaten, the flesh of 
the half-bred, which could not be distinguished from 
mutton, even in the carcase, and which, on the table, 
was considered quite a luxury. 
With a careful and scientific system of breeding and 
management, such as has been adopted with some of 
the best flocks of Merino sheep, a great improvement 
can no doubt be effected in the quality and weight of 
the fleece, thereby considerably increasing the profits 
to be derived from its cultivation. At times when the 
market for wool may be dull, mohair, from its length 
of staple, lustre, strength of fibre, and other valuable 
qualities, would realise considerably more in proportion 
than wool, and be a more reliable article of export. 
