less
mohair; and in the second place, the texture of the skin itself is
different. The skin of the common goat is firm, and the different layers
are so closely united that they cannot be separated. The layers of the
Angora skin are not so closely united, and the skin is slightly fluffy.
The outer layer of this skin peels off when it is used. The Angora skin
is valuable both with the fleece on and without it. Its principle value,
however, is with the fleece on. After the skins have been properly
tanned, they are used for rugs, robes, trimmings, and imitating various
furs. When ladies' and children's Angora furs are in style, these skins
become very valuable for this purpose. One skin has cut $17.00 worth of
trimming at wholesale. Of course, the value of the skins depends upon
the quality and character of the mohair with which the skins are
covered, and their size. Large, well covered skins are always scarce and
command good prices. They are worth from $1.00 to $2.00 each. Most of
the Asia Minor skins are sent to Austria, and the prices paid for the
raw skins are about the same as in America. The skins which have had the
mohair removed are valuable for the manufacture of gloves and morocco
leather. They do not make as fine leather as the common goat skins, but
they are as extensively used. All skins should be carefully handled.

The skin should be carefully removed from the carcass. Goats do not skin
as easily as sheep, and the careless operator is liable to cut the inner
layers of the skin if he is not careful. These cuts are called
"flesh-cuts," and skins badly "flesh-cut" are comparatively valueless,
because "flesh-cuts" can not be removed by the tanner. A sharp knife
should be used, and the operator should avoid cutting the skin.

The skin should be well salted, care being taken to see that the salt
penetrates every portion of the raw surface. The skins can be cured in
the shade without the use of salt, but sun-dried skins are worthless. If
the edges of the skin are allowed to roll, so that raw surfaces come
together, the part so affected will heat and the hair pull out. It is
not necessary to stretch the skins while curing them.

Goats should be killed when their fleece is suitable for robe and rug
purposes. Those carrying a six month's fleece, if it is six inches long,
have about the right kind of skins. There are some Angora skins imported
from Turkey and South Africa.

[Illustration: Prize winners at the Columb