South Africa and its future . g to alarge extent on springs and the artificial storage of water. The karroo is well adapted for Angoras, as well as goats of thecommon type. More than one-half the number of the Cape sheep inthe Colony is found in this region, which, owing to its vast extent andlow rainfall, is better suited for animals of an active and hardy nature. 134 Wool-Growing In the karroo the bushes are short and stunted, but they never-theless form most excellent grazing for small stock. When dry-seasons set in, the plants, although denuded of every green leaf,retain nourishment for a
South Africa and its future . g to alarge extent on springs and the artificial storage of water. The karroo is well adapted for Angoras, as well as goats of thecommon type. More than one-half the number of the Cape sheep inthe Colony is found in this region, which, owing to its vast extent andlow rainfall, is better suited for animals of an active and hardy nature. 134 Wool-Growing In the karroo the bushes are short and stunted, but they never-theless form most excellent grazing for small stock. When dry-seasons set in, the plants, although denuded of every green leaf,retain nourishment for a remarkable period ; and as long as wateris procurable, stock maintain their condition fairly well by feedingon the bark and dry twigs. The most valuable bushes are : theDraaibosch i^Diplopappus filifolius) ; the Schaapbosch [Peniziavirgata) ; the Gannabosch [Caroxylon silsola) ; and the Vygebosch{Mesejnbriantkemum spinosunt). When rain falls, the bushes shootinto leaf, and in the course of two or three weeks, what appeared to. Angora Goats (Young Rams) be a barren and parched wilderness, is transformed into beautiful andhighly nutritious pasturage. The karroo is badly watered, the farmers depending chiefly onsprings, wells, and dams for their supply. Underground water isfound at various depths, the average being about sixty feet. In butfew cases, however, does the supply rise to the surface, whichnecessitates the use of windmills and pumps. The average annualrainfall is over ten inches, though in some districts it does notexceed six inches. Given good seasons, there is no part ofthe Colony which is healthier for small stock than the karroo, andthere is certainly no portion in which sheep and goats multiply morerapidly. One severe drought, however, will often sweep away theincrease of several years, and leave the farmer on the verge of ruin. Throughout the Colony but few attempts are made to supplywinter feeding for stock, or to make adequate provision for times of South Africa
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Keywords: ., bookauthorargylljo, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, bookyear1903
