'Breeding. 169 



receiving from their fellows while pregnant without ex- 

 periencing any ill effects. It would almost appear as 

 though Nature had specially provided against all such 

 casualties. Nevertheless, it is advisable to take extra 

 care of goats in-kid, to prevent all chance of abortion, 

 for if one goat slips her kids through some unforeseen 

 circumstance, others in the same stable are very apt to 

 follow her example without any apparent reason. They 

 should, therefore, be driven or led gently, and not 

 allowed to take violent exercise, as much exertion at this 

 period is prejudicial. For the same reason no dogs or 

 other animals likely to cause a fright should be permitted 

 to approach. It is very necessary, however, that some 

 exercise be given to goats that are pregnant, as parturition 

 is generally more easy in consequence. 



Goats that live on a common are generally hardier 

 than such as are kept constantly in a stable. The former 

 will often drop their kids under a furze-bush, and, after 

 licking them over, will partly cover them with ferns and 

 go on browsing, returning at intervals to suckle them. 

 One that has been more delicately reared, however, 

 requires more careful treatment. As the day of her ex- 

 pected accouchement draws near, a separate place should, 

 if possible, be prepared for the dam, where she may 

 move about at will, as it is important that she be not 

 fastened in any way. 



Signs of approaching parturition are shown by the 

 enlargement of the vulva ; the goat becomes restless, and 

 lies first in one place and then another, frequently 

 changing position; she also bleats a great deal, and her 

 udder becomes rapidly harder, being replete with 

 milk. When this is noticed she should not be taken out 

 to graze, but kept in the stable, where a bed of clean 

 straw, a bucket of tepid water, and some nice sweet hay 

 should be provided for her. 



