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bite is highly poisonous and that no tree once bitten by a goat ever 

 thrives. The writer is not prepared to follow this assertion in its 

 fullest sense but. it might as well be true, for a similar result ensu. - 

 from frequent bitings, a< if the first bite were poisonous. 



Manv people believe thai a goat or goats should be kept in pas- 

 tures with herds of other cattle. This e. inception has its origin in 

 reasoned out points, but even these require to be further authenti- 

 cated before they can be received as fact. It is said, the presence of 

 llie goat keeps other animals healthy. And this is said to be due t<> 

 the fact that the goat is immune to manv poisonous plants, and by 

 the eating of these, prevents cows and other animals from being 

 poisoned. It may be advanced that they afford a good supply of 

 wholesome meat. It is not denied that the meat may be wholesome, 

 but the fact of their feeding on poisonous plants as above stated ren- 

 ders it somewhat doubtful whether the meat can really be as whole- 

 some as it is taken to be. However if it is admitted to be wholesome 

 its flavour cannot be highly praised except perhaps by those whose 

 taste has not been very highly educated. Goat mutton is but the 

 merest apology for sheep mutton. It is at best but a poor substitute, 

 would hardly be acceptable except under the pressure of hunger 

 i especially if the animal has seen years) and could only be eaten with 

 considerable reluctance by the greater number of consumers. The 

 most that the writer can admit in favour of the goat, is that it may 

 be useful if kept in bounds, but if allowed to roam at will, (as they 

 do in most places,) the animal, instead of being useful becomes a 

 veritable curse to any community by the enormous destruction seen 

 — and unseen — it causes to plant-life. 



No orchard thrives where goats abound and no garden can possi- 

 I'ly be kept in order, where goats have promiscuous or accidental 

 access, and agriculturists who allow them to remain on Estates to 

 roam at will, will never escape blame for the exhibitions of temper, 

 which is the inevitable, result of their presence. If the writer has 

 formed a wrong opinion in the matter there will doubtless be found 

 some who will put him right for expressing it. and ready with a brief 

 in defence of Capricornh. 



It would be right to hear such advocates and hear what reasons 

 can be advanced that will stand the test of examination, in defence 

 of one of the most destructive and pernicious animals which exisl 

 upon the face of the globe. 



A strong point in evidence of their destructive propensities is 

 shown by the use made of them in Trinidad for clearing forest land. 

 Where this has t" be done goal- are purchased by the planter in quan- 

 tity and kept by a goat-herd on the land which is to come under 

 cultivation. The resull is thai every small plant is shortly disposed 

 ■ if. and the aiimunt paid for labour in clearing is very considerably 

 reduced. This it will be -aid ; tells as much for the goat as against 

 it; but its destructive character is certainlj fully proved by the clear- 

 ance of vegetation they effect in a short time, and makes it certain 

 that, if the goal is to lie kept at all. it must be kept " within bounds'" 

 and not allowed to roam. 



