Stan-Feeding. 145 



be eaten. This applies generally to all the food of a 

 goat, for the moment it is trodden underfoot the goat 

 ceases to eat it. It is, therefore, a great advantage to 

 place branches or fibrous-rooted vegetables in the position 

 I have described, for otherwise a large quantity will be 

 wasted. 



Acorns are in some years very plentiful, and as they 

 can then generally be bought at about is. per bushel in 

 country places, it is advisable under such circumstances 

 to lay in a stock. Besides being a cheap kind of food, 

 they are useful in a medicinal way, as, having a consti- 

 pating tendency, they are valuable as a change when the 

 bowels are relaxe'd through the animal having partaken 

 of food having an opposite effect. This binding effect is 

 less marked when acorns have sprouted. In that condi- 

 tion, saccharine matter being developed, they are rather 

 fattening and highly relished. All that is necessary to 

 produce this germination is to pile them in a heap a few 

 at a time in a warm damp place. They should be 

 washed clean first, for if this be done afterwards the 

 sweet, tender shoots which the goat so much enjoys are 

 knocked off in the process and lost. 



Weeds. There are many weeds that goats will eat 

 readily, and which are generally consigned to the rubbish 

 heap. As instances of some of the commonest I may 

 mention sow-thistles, docks, plantains, early spring nettles, 

 and dandelions. They are also very fond of meadow- 

 sweet, though cattle will not touch it. All leguminous 

 plants, as vetches or tares, lucerne, sainfoin, clover, and 

 such like, are eaten by goats, but not voraciously, these 

 being more succulent herbage. Though good for the 

 production of milk, they do not, however, appear to be 

 appreciated by these animals, who give preference to hard, 

 bitter, and woody kinds of plants. Amongst these last is 

 tansy, which is apt to impart a flavour to the milk. 



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