There is an active trade in cattle, tallow, wools, skins, linseed, wine, corn and manufactured wares.
Otters and beavers that run dark in the hair or wool are more valuable than the paler ones, the wools of which are frequently touched with a chemical to produce a golden shade.
It is the chief town of a wide district exporting olive oil, esparto', corn and flour, wools and Algerian onyx; and has a population of (1906) 24,060.
After being unhaired the darkest wools are the most valuable, although many people prefer the bright, lighter brown tones.
The colours of the under wools of river otters vary, some being very dark, others almost yellow.