In 1838, Col. Henderson made the first importation of Angora goats into
South Africa, but while the number reaching the Cape was fourteen, yet
only two proved to be perfect animals, a doe and her kid. The twelve
bucks seem to have been tampered with, and they would not breed. Mr.
Schreiner says: "But for the fact that there were several million Boar
goats, thoroughly accustomed to the country, to furnish innumerable ewes
for grading up purposes, the industry would still have been in its
infancy." It was years before any more Angoras were imported into South
Africa.
The second importation into Cape Colony was made by Messrs. Mosenthal in
1856, and thirty Angoras reached their destination. Mr. Schreiner
reports that some of these goats were sold at public auction and brought
about $350 to $400 each.
The third importation was made by Sir Titus Salt, the English
manufacturer of mohair, and arrived in South Africa in 1857. Dr. White
had charge of these after they reached the colony.
[Illustration: CAPETOWN.