ALPACAS.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1801, 6 December 1862, Page 3

ALPACAS.

Tbe Otago papers bave on various occasions called attention to the importance of increasing our colonial productions, by importing Alpacas from Peru, and should this be done, it would be well that this province should endeavour to procure some of them. We subjoin a report from Mr J. L. Montefiore, the London Agent, through whom the New South Wales Government shipped the produce of their flock of Alpacas and Llamas, which affords some useful information as to the value of the wool in the home market. The report which we extiact from the Sydney Morning Herald^ is as follows: — London, 25th August, 1862, I have much pleasure in reporting as follows op the parcel of six bales alpaca, &c, wool, consigned by you per Damascus. This parcel compares very favorably with that shipped on a previous occusion to consignment of my late firm — so favourably indeed., as to justify one in anticipating that the hopes entertained by Mr Ledger, (the original importer of the alpaca and llama into Australia), are likely to be fully realised. Provided always, that similar care to that hitherto bestowed in crossing be fuily maintained. Equally it is to be desired, that the practice of packing the fleeces of the purebred alpaca, the cross-bred alpaca, the llama, and the locks in separate manner should be strictly adhered to. Annexed you have valuations and detailed descriptions of these wools as furnished by my brokers, who have been instructed by me not to dispose of this consignment until it has been carefully inspected by manufacturers and others who may bo directly interested in the articles ; meanwhile the tendency of value continues upwards. I apprehend that the wish of the New South Wales Government (as conveyed in their letter of instructions to you, dated 11th April, 1862, and with copy of which you have been good enough to furnish me), to the effect that such steps may be taken as may appear best for bringing the contents of these six bales into favorable public notice, will be best carried into effoct by the adoption of the course that I have instructed my brokers to pursue. So far as publishing information, nearly all, if not all, the leading public journals have already directed attention to the samples that appaar in the New South Wales Court at the International Exhibition of all nations. Detailed report and descriptions of six bales alpaca wool, ex Damascus, from Sydney : Bale 1. — Three-quarters consist of good black alpacabrown, white, and grey, part of these Value. j being cross-bred .. 2s 6d per lb. Bale|2.— One-halfshortstapleblaek alpaca, remaining half locks and cross-bred Is 9d per lb. Bale 3, — Two thirds black alpacas ; remainder brown, grey, and white, very keinpy inferior llamas 2s Od per lb. Bale 4, — Two thirds brown alpaca aad cross-bred, remainder very inferior (some kempy white), not being worth more than 6d per lb Is9dperlb. Bale 5. — Assorted colours; llama very short, coarse, and dirty 8d per lb. Bale 6.— Coarse llama, one-thu"d clippings ed per lb.