2 The Boofc of the Coat. 



the matter, but it is nevertheless a fact. The demand for 

 milk in the towns and cities, and the facilities afforded 

 by railway S N for its conveyance thereto from the most 

 remote parts, entirely drain the rural districts, where 

 the farmers, who contract to send away every drop they 

 can obtain, object to supplying small quantities retail. It 

 often happens, indeed, that milk is most scarce in the 

 very neighbourhoods whence the largest supplies are 

 procured ; consequently the cottagers' children, after they 

 are weaned, rarely taste it otherwise than skimmed. In 

 the character of the poor man's cow, therefore, the goat 

 is peculiarly adapted to supply this great want, in doing 

 which it may be regarded almost as a national benefactor, 

 for by improving the health and physique of the rural, 

 if not the general, population it is contributing to the well- 

 being of the community.* 



The position that the goat deserves to occupy amongst 

 the people of this country, and that which it actually 

 holds, are, however, two different things. In spite of its 

 useful qualities it is still far from being recognised to the 

 extent that it merits. This is not the case in Ireland nor 

 in most parts of the Continent, where it is highly prized 

 for the virtues of its milk. In the Emerald Isle large 

 numbers are bred annually, and although they lead a 

 rough life, they contribute materially both by their milk 

 and flesh to the welfare of the Irish peasant. The sub- 

 joined figures show the distribution of goats throughout 

 Ireland according to the last report. The table further 

 shows, however, that the number of goats kept at the 

 present time is considerably less than in 1881. 



At the same time, large numbers are exported annually 

 from Ireland into England. During three weeks in July, 

 1880, these exports amounted to as many as 900 head. 



* See Dr. C. E. Shelly's remarks in the chapter on Goats' Milk. 



