254 The 'Book of the Goat. 



Gloucestershire," it having been related to him by Mr. 

 William Peacy, of Northleach, whose authority he states 

 is indisputable. Concerning this incident Mr. Marshall 

 further observes : " It appears to me probable that the 

 influence of the goat is not merely that of a charm. The 

 staggers appears evidently to be a nervous disorder. 

 Odours are found in many cases, I believe, to act bene- 

 ficially on the human nerves, and possibly the strong 

 scent of the he-goat may have a similar effect on those of 

 the horse. The subject is certainly entitled to enquiry." 



The next case I have to relate came under my 

 observation about the year 1877, when a serious 

 epidemic which was very fatal in its effects raged 

 amongst the breeding studs in Surrey, and generally 

 around the metropolis. The Middle Park and Cobham 

 Studs lost over thirty each, and at the Shepherd's Bush 

 and Highfield Studs only four or five colts survived out 

 of nineteen. 



A gentleman kept at the time several brood mares, 

 some of which he had recently bought from the Shep- 

 herd's Bush Stud. All foaled down well and not a single 

 colt was affected, although his neighbours round were 

 complaining of losses. In this case, however, a he-goat 

 was kept with the horses, and the owner was firmly con- 

 vinced that it was the smell of this animal and it was 

 strong enough, as I can myself testify which kept his 

 stock in health. As the gentleman mentioned was the only 

 breeder who had goats and whose stud at the same time 

 was free from the contagion, this case, combined with 

 others, certainly goes far to prove that the popular idea 

 is not altogether superstition. 



Presenting Abortion in Cattle. 



There is an old-fashioned and very prevalent idea that 

 running a goat amongst cows is a preventive of abortion. 



